CHED approves Doctor of Medicine programs in five state universities
The Commission on Higher Education has approved Doctor of Medicine programs in five state universities and colleges in an effort to address the severe shortage of physicians in the country.
In a press release, CHED said it has approved the operation of first- and second-year medicine programs at the following institutions for Academic Year 2026–2027.
- Visayas State University (VSU) – Region VIII
- Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Region VIII
- University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) – Region VIII
- Benguet State University (BSU) – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
- Cotabato State University - Cotabato Regional Medical Center School of Medicine (CCSU-CRMC) – Region XII
Per CHED, the initiative gives every region in the country access to at least one medical school.
"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 (NIR), which is poised to be the next priority," it said.
"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 healthcare system and community-based health service delivery."
The move comes as the Philippines' physician-to-population ratio remains at a critical 7.92 for every 10,000 people. According to CHED, the World Health Organization's recommended ratio is 10 per 10,000.
The approvals were also in line with the directives of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to further increase the number of healthcare professionals through expanded medical and nursing education programs nationwide.
