Butuan city: The Caraga State University (CSU) has announced the official opening of its School of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine Program for the current academic year. CSU President Rolyn Daguil introduced the university's 38 pioneer medical students during a press conference on Friday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Daguil emphasized the importance of the new medical school in mitigating the challenges posed by limited access to quality medical education and the acute shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. Daguil stated that the CSU's School of Medicine aims to bridge these gaps effectively.

The CSU has reported that the new medical school is supported by a distinguished faculty from leading health institutions and medical schools, with strong partnerships with hospitals and communities. The program is structured to integrate rigorous academic learning with hands-on, real-world clinical training.

Efforts to establish the medical school began in 2020, with the goal of producing skilled and empathetic physicians. Under President Daguil's leadership, the university successfully met the requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Local leaders, the Department of Health, and various hospitals have supported CSU's initiative to establish the region's first medical school. The CHED en banc gave its approval for the CSU medical school in January of this year.