CIBAC Representative and House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva has lauded the signing of Republic Act No. 11509 or the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.”
“This Representation greatly rejoices with the recent passage into law of Doktor Para sa Bayan Act. This landmark legislation will greatly strengthen our public health workforce by increasing our doctor-to-population ratio to be at par with international standards and by guaranteeing the availability of competent government physicians at every point, even remotest, part of the land. Thus, ensuring the delivery of much-needed health services to all parts of the country,” according to CIBAC Rep. Villanueva, who authored the bill.
The law is expected to address and improve the country’s doctor-to-population ratio which currently stands at three physicians for every 10,000 Filipinos and aims to make it close to the World Health Organization (WHO)-prescribed ratio of 10 doctors to every 10,000 population, according to Villanueva.
RA 11509 will also provide for a national medical scholarship and return service (MSRS) program that aims to address the depleting number of Filipino medical doctors engaged in the public health sector. It will provide scholarship grants to eligible and deserving students who want to pursue and finish a degree in Doctor of Medicine in public or private higher education institutions.
Scholars will also receive a range of assistance including free tuition and school fees, allowance for other needs such as books, clothing, dormitory, internship and medical board review, and other education-related miscellaneous subsistence or living allowances.
The law also mandates that qualified applicants from municipalities without government physicians shall be prioritized to ensure the assignment of at least one doctor for every municipality in the country.
The law further states that every scholar, upon conferment of the license to practice medical profession, will be integrated into the public health and medical service system. Within 6-7 years from the time of passing the licensure exam, the scholar shall serve in a government public health office, hospital or facility in his/her hometown, province or any underserved town closest to him/her for at least one year for every scholarship year availed of. Any scholar who fails or refuses to comply with the mandatory return service will be sanctioned of paying twice the cost of scholarship, including other benefits and expenses incurred in relation to the program.
“Every Filipino deserves nothing but the best quality of public health service. With RA 11509, we have already taken the first step in upgrading our public health sector to a kind that will make us more prepared and resilient to face health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Villanueva.
Meanwhile on his part, CIBAC Party-List lawmaker Domeng Rivera expressed gratitude to President Duterte for swiftly signing the law.
“We would like to thank President Duterte for his swift and resolute action to sign RA 11509 into law. This is a big win for the health of our future generation,” said Rivera.