The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday said it has endorsed newly licensed physicians to the Department of Health (DOH) under its Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program.

The new MSRS graduates, who will be deployed to underserved and geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), were endorsed in a turnover ceremony on Monday.

In a statement, CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis said this is part of the administration’s efforts to boost the healthcare workforce in the country, especially in underserved areas.

“The country needs more than doctors with credentials. The country needs doctors who are willing to serve where they are most needed,” she said.

There were 54 MSRS scholars who passed the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination.

These include topnotchers from partner higher education institutions, namely Dr. Ericson Lloren Luyun from the Cagayan State University-Carig and Dr. Angela Atencio Arma from the University of Northern Philippines.

Under the MSRS Program, qualified Filipino students taking Doctor of Medicine degree are provided with full medical education scholarships in exchange for return service in government hospitals and public health facilities.

It also supports the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, which seeks to improve equitable access to healthcare services across the country.

Since its implementation in 2021, the program has supported 3,762 scholars nationwide and produced 196 graduates.

There are currently 98 MSRS graduates who are serving under the Doctors to the Barrios Program, while one is serving in a local hospital. (PNA)