SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill that seeks to provide responsive and comprehensive regulation for the practice of the medical profession, which would include upgraded standards on basic medical education, internship and post-graduate medical education and training.

Senate Bill 953 or the Physicians Act seeks the creation of the Medical Education Council under the administrative supervision of the Commission on Higher Education.

The council will determine the minimum required curriculum leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

The MEC’s other functions include the recognition and authorization of the opening of new medical schools upon compliance with minimum requirements.

It will also determine, among others, the minimum number and standard qualifications of administrative and teaching personnel, and the minimum requirements for admission into a recognized college of medicine.

The bill also seeks the creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine under the Professional Regulation Commission, whose functions will include the supervision, regulation and monitoring of the practice of medicine in the Philippines, including telemedicine.

The PRBM will conduct the Physician Licensure Examination, and determine and evaluate qualifications of the applicants for the PLE.

The measure will also create the Post-Graduate Medical Education Council, which shall ensure the quality of post-graduate medical education and training for all disciplines, specialties and sub-specialties of medical residents.