KORONADAL CITY -- A University of the Philippines School of Health Science may start operating in South Cotabato province next year after its endorsement by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco).
South Cotabato Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes said that Senator Edgardo J. Angara has pledged some P10 million for the establishment of a UP medical school to make health science education accessible to poor people in the rural areas.
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Fuentes added that about P38 million is needed for the UP medical school's initial operation in the province that shall include expenses for site procurement, two classrooms, two administration offices and a library.
Undersecretary Virgilio L. Leyretana Sr., Medco chair, said the UP medical school's operation would lay the foundation for an expanded and affordable health care system for the countryside.
The target date for the school opening is tentatively set for July 2009. During the first year, the personnel complement will include a dozen staff, including teachers and administrators.
The courses to be offered are in accordance with the ladderized curricula of UP focusing on basic midwifery, nursing and medicine, Leyretana said.
The courses that will be offered are designed to encourage the poor but deserving students from south-central Mindanao and its adjacent regions to engage in the medical profession.
The initial number of enrollees is set at 80 students who will not be subjected to intense entrance requirements and payment of tuition fees, the Medco chief said.
Leyretana proposed that the graduates should be mandated to render two years of service after finishing the course, with the end view of filling the vacuum of medical and paramedical practitioners in the rural areas. (BSS)
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