CHED OKs doctorate programs in 5 state universities

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the severe shortage of medical practitioners, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved doctor of medicine programs in five state universities and colleges (SUCs).

CHED noted that the country’s physician-to-population ratio stands at a critical 7.92 per 10,000 people, falling short of the international minimum standard of 10 per 10,000 recommended by the World Health Organization.

 It has approved the applications of five SUCs to operate the first and second-year levels of their respective doctor of medicine programs, effective Academic Year 2026-2027.

 According to CHED, covered by the doctor of medicine programs were Visayas State University, Eastern Samar State University, University of Eastern Philippines, Benguet State University (BSU)-Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cotabato State University-Cotabato Regional Medical Center School of Medicine.

“This milestone initiative aligns with the government’s broader mandate under the Doktor para sa Bayan Act, aiming to address the shortage of medical doctors in the Philippines by providing accessible, high-quality medical education across various regions – particularly in underserved areas like Samar, Leyte, the Cordilleras, and Central Mindanao,” CHED said.

 It said that BSU is the first SUC in the Cordilleras with a medical program.

 “With these new approvals, the administration has successfully established at least one SUC with a medicine program in every region nationwide, with the exception of the newly created Negros Island Region, which is poised to be the next priority. By expanding medical program offerings in state-funded institutions, CHED ensures that aspiring and deserving doctors from diverse regions can pursue their medical dreams locally, ultimately strengthening the country’s health care system and community-based health service delivery,” CHED added.

abtestabtest Romualdez moved to Payatas jail, arraignment set Sept. 16 By Ian Laqui | 1 day ago Former speaker was transferred to the Quezon City jail after independent medical review. Headlines VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson By Bella Cariaso | 17 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... Headlines Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge By Delon Porcalla | 17 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... Headlines Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 By Neil Jayson Servallos | 17 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... Headlines 'Truth, fairness': Ex-CJ Panganiban questions fixed impeachment math 6 hours ago The ex-chief justice raises a point on whether senators who did not hear the case should help decide the verdict. Headlines Latest More in Headlines Supreme Court presses Congress to enact anti-dynasty law Remulla says Roque asylum bid denied; Roque disputes claim Ex-Duterte vlogger RJ Nieto gets Palace assistant secretary post Scams, other cybercrimes rise to record 8% of families, says SWS abtest Lapid: No official has filed a truly honest SALN? By Marc Jayson Cayabyab | 16 hours ago In an interjection rarely seen, Sen. Lito Lapid yesterday took the podium to bare what he called a reality in the filing of... Headlines Romualdez mugshots at Quezon City jail released By Emmanuel Tupas | 17 hours ago Mugshots of Leyte congressman Martin Romualdez were released yesterday to the public, showing the former speaker in yellow... Headlines BARMM polls: Federalist party gets big bloc slot By John Unson | 17 hours ago The Bangsamoro Federalist Party ranked first in the Sept. 14 elections for bloc nominations to the 80-seat parliament... Headlines ‘Blanket class suspensions deepen literacy challenges’ By Bella Cariaso | 17 hours ago Blanket class suspensions could deepen literacy challenges as schools continue to lose significant teaching days to weather-related... Headlines Marcos to ASEAN: Strengthen cooperation on disasters By Helen Flores | 17 hours ago President Marcos has called on members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to strengthen cooperation on disaster... Headlines Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 17 hours ago The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time... HeadlinesFRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson 17 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman.... HeadlinesPAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge 17 hours ago It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief... HeadlinesELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate 17 hours ago For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has... HeadlinesROBINHOOD PADILLARONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala 17 hours ago  They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. HeadlinesALEX EALA next Recommended Chiz OKs presentation of VP’s SALNs from 2007 The Senate impeachment court will scrutinize Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records starting from her time as a local official in Davao City to establish a “baseline” for her wealth, presiding officer Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday. 17 hours ago FRANCIS ESCUDERO VP Sara ready to replace Marcos, says spokesperson Vice President Sara Duterte is ready to replace President Marcos in case the latter resigns, according to her spokesman. 17 hours ago PAOLO PANELO Congress urged: Permanently remove system loss charge It’s now the turn of Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to do its part in giving relief to consumers burdened by high electricity bills, by passing a law that would permanently remove the system loss charges, Rep. Arthur Yap of Murang Kuryente party-list said yesterday. 17 hours ago ELECTRICITY DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice has summoned Sen. Robinhood Padilla over allegations of obstruction of justice. 17 hours ago ROBINHOOD PADILLA RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA Pinoys all in for Eala  They’re all in. PSC. POC. PHILTA. The Senate. All behind Alex Eala. 17 hours ago ALEX EALA OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!