Baguio: The city may see more doctors serving its villages through a "study now, pay later" program for medical students. "The Study Now, Pay Later program for qualified Doctor of Medicine students seeks to help address the high cost of medical education while ensuring return service in public health facilities to strengthen the healthcare workforce," Councilor Edison Bilog said in an interview over a local radio station Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, beneficiaries will receive financial assistance covering tuition and miscellaneous fees, laboratory expenses, book allowances, and other related educational costs. "The assistance is intended to support the full scope of medical education expenses to enable beneficiaries to complete their studies without financial constraints," he added.
The program is anchored on the city's policy to promote accessible and equitable medical education while strengthening its long-term health workforce. He said that upon graduation and passing the licensure examination, beneficiaries must render service in public health facilities in Baguio City or other government-designated health institutions for a period equivalent to the assistance they received. Those unable to fulfill the service obligation will be required to reimburse the financial aid provided.
Applicants must be residents of Baguio City for at least three years, hold a relevant bachelor's degree required for medical school admission, and must have been admitted or qualified for enrollment in a recognized medical school. Current medical students can also apply to the program to ensure that financial constraints do not disrupt their studies. "They must not be recipients of full scholarships with similar coverage, and pass the screening and evaluation process set by the city government," he added.
Once admitted to the program, the beneficiaries' academic performance, fund utilization, and compliance with service obligations will be tracked and monitored to ensure proper use of funds for the purpose. Bilog said that the move, aimed at increasing the number of doctors in communities, will not only benefit the city but also other healthcare agencies as well.
