FOUR more higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines can soon offer the Doctor of Medicine program, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand the country’s medical education and increase the number of doctors and healthcare professionals nationwide.

In a statement late Tuesday, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis stressed that quality education must still be ensured amid the granting of permits and compliance certificates.

“Expanding opportunities to study medicine must go hand in hand with maintaining quality, so that future doctors are equipped with the training and competencies needed to respond to the country’s healthcare needs,” she said.

In particular, the CHED granted government permits to Tarlac State University (TSU) and North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU).

This allows the said HEIs to operate the first and second year levels of their Doctor of Medicine programs.

Besides TSU and NEMSU, the CHED also released Certificates of Program Compliance to Cavite State University (CvSU) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) for their Doctor of Medicine programs.

These approvals were issued following careful evaluation visits for compliance validation, in adherence to CHED’s minimum requirements for the Doctor of Medicine program under CHED Memorandum Order No. 18, series of 2016. (PNA)