Manila: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis stated that this initiative is part of the administration's efforts to bolster the healthcare workforce in the country, particularly 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 emphasized.

There were 54 MSRS scholars who successfully passed the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination. Among these are 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 pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree receive full medical education scholarships in exchange for return service in government hospitals and public health facilities. This program supports the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, which aims to enhance equitable access to healthcare services throughout the country.

Since its implementation in 2021, the program has supported 3,762 scholars nationwide and has produced 196 graduates. Presently, 98 MSRS graduates are serving under the Doctors to the Barrios Program, with one serving in a local hospital.