Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday the Doktor Para sa Bayan program is expected to produce 648 new medical scholars nationwide through its PHP186-million allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sotto, principal author of the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, said the increased allocation under the 2026 national budget will prioritize medical students nearing the completion of their studies.

“The budget this year has been increased for medical students under the 2026 General Appropriations Law, with prioritization for those who are almost complete with their studies,” Sotto said.

He welcomed the continued funding support for the program, saying it would help deserving students pursue medical degrees in state-run schools despite financial difficulties.

“I take this very positively and support this completely, as many medical students want to finish their education but lack the financial capability to do so,” he said.

At least 25 state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country currently offer Doctor of Medicine programs.

Sotto earlier envisioned accommodating around 40 medical scholars per SUC through the program’s implementation.

He said the program remains crucial in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved areas.

“Kailangang-kailangan talaga ito dahil sa kakulangan ng mga doktor, nars, at medical practitioners sa bansa, lalung-lalo na sa mga malalayo o karatig-probinsya (This is badly needed because of the shortage of doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners in the country, especially in far-flung and nearby provinces),” Sotto said.

The Doktor Para sa Bayan Act seeks to expand access to medical education and strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce. (PNA)