Officials of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) and Cotabato State University (CSU) are laying down the foundation for the establishment of the first-ever medical school in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“CRMC is keen on pursuing this venture which is very timely and relevant for the benefit of the people of Mindanao, especially in the BARMM,” Dr. Ishmael R. Dimaren, CRMC chief of hospital, said in a statement Thursday.

Dimaren and CSU President Dr. Sema G. Dilna met Wednesday to discuss the physical preparations of the university to host the consortium project.

“Proposed as a consortium project, it will be unofficially named CSU-CRMC College of Medicine, combining excellence from both government institutions, quality education for CSU, and quality health care from CRMC,” Dimaren said.

This initiative is in support of Republic Act 11509, also known as the Doctor Para sa Bayan Law, signed on December 23, 2020 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dimaren said collaboration between CRMC and CSU aims to assist the government in resolving the shortage of physicians nationwide, while also making primary healthcare more accessible in rural areas and for underserved populations.

Initially, both parties started polishing the proposed CSU-CRMC College of Medicine’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives, including the creation of core values, compliance with Commission on Higher Education policies, standards, and organizational structure, among others.

Both sides are expected to meet monthly to keep abreast of the progress and development as the proposed consortium project is expected to commence next academic year subject to government approval.

At the initial stage, all physical facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, library, and medical equipment will be located at CRMC.

Future developments and improvements relative to the project will be dependent on the approved Land Use and Development Investment Plan of the two government entities, Dimaren said. (PNA)