University of the Philippines Launches First Medical School in Mindanao to Tackle Doctor Shortage
UP launches first Mindanao medical school to address doctor shortage
Image: Inquirer
The University of the Philippines (UP) has launched its first-ever Doctor of Medicine program at its Mindanao campus, aiming to address the severe doctor shortage in the region. The program is accepting applications until May 31, with classes starting on August 17, 2026, and will require graduates to serve in Mindanao for three years.
- 01The UP Mindanao School of Medicine (SoMed) aims to produce socially accountable physician leaders to improve health equity in Mindanao.
- 02As of 2025, there are only 56,794 physicians for a population of 114.12 million, equating to 5 doctors per 10,000 Filipinos.
- 03The lowest doctor-to-population ratios in Mindanao are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region at 0.4 and Soccsksargen at 2.3.
- 04Only 35 slots are available for the inaugural batch of the Doctor of Medicine program, with no entrance exams required.
- 05Applicants must sign a return service agreement to serve in Mindanao for three years post-graduation.
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The University of the Philippines (UP) has officially opened its School of Medicine (SoMed) at its Mindanao campus, launching a five-year Doctor of Medicine program to combat the critical shortage of doctors in the region. Currently, the Philippines has only 56,794 physicians for a population of 114.12 million, translating to just 5 doctors per 10,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended ratio of 10. The program aims to address the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in Mindanao's underserved areas, where regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region have alarmingly low ratios of 0.4 doctors per 10,000 residents. The SoMed will accept applications until May 31, with classes commencing on August 17, 2026. The first batch will consist of 35 students, who will be required to sign a return service agreement to practice in Mindanao for three years after graduation. Scholarships will be available for low-income students, prioritizing graduates from UP Manila School of Health Sciences and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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The establishment of the UP Mindanao SoMed is expected to enhance healthcare access and equity in Mindanao, addressing the critical shortage of physicians in the region.
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