SEN. Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go on Tuesday commended President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law Republic Act 11509 or the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Law.”

Go said the law provides a long-term solution to the country’s healthcare woes.

RA 11509 establishes a Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for deserving Filipino students. They can pursue medical studies in State Universities and Colleges or in Private Higher Education Institutions in regions where there are no SUCs offering a medical course.

“Marami sa kabataan ang nangangarap na maging doktor. Sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, mabibigyan natin sila ng oportunidad na mag-aral ng medisina at mas makapaglingkod sa bayan,” Go emphasized.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure, said that the new law will further improve the country’s healthcare system because it encourages scholars to serve in their communities.

“Sa pamamagitan ng batas na ito, masisiguro po natin na mayroon tayong sapat na mga doktor sa kanayunan, habang iniaangat din natin ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga scholars na makikinabang sa batas na ito at ang kanilang mga pamilya,” the senator said.

Under the law, graduates of the scholarship program will have to serve in government hospitals or public health offices in their hometown, province, or region.

The government will shoulder the scholars’ tuition and other school expenses.

Allowances for books, equipment, uniforms, cost of transportation or dormitory, internship fees, as well as medical board review and licensure fees, will also be provided.

The scholars who will take a four-year program are required to render mandatory return service within six years after they passed the Physician Licensure Examinations. Those who took a five-year course will have to render service for seven years.

They will receive appropriate salaries and other benefits for the service rendered under the mandatory integration into the public health and medical service.