CHED grants permission for Samar State U to offer doctor of medicine program
Expanding access to medical education in Eastern Visayas
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday, March 11, approved the Samar Island Institute of Medicine (SIIM) at Samar State University (SSU) to offer a doctor of medicine program.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said this is a big step forward for the "Doktor Para sa Bayan" law.
“The expansion of medical education in Samar will facilitate the implementation of Republic Act No. 11509 or the Doktor Para sa Bayan law as there is no state college or university in Eastern Visayas where poor but deserving students can become doctors,” he said.
CHED said that through the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program, graduates are required to serve in underserved areas to ensure that more doctors are available to address the healthcare needs of remote areas.
On the other hand, as highlighted by SSU President Marilyn Cardoso, the approval of the program at SSU represents a significant achievement for the university.
She emphasized that the program not only expands the academic offer of the university but also represents SSU's dedication to reshaping the healthcare sector in Samar.
“It is a testimony of our shared aspirations turning into reality,” she added.
Samar Province Gov. Sharee Ann Tan also expressed her enthusiasm to produce home-grown doctors and specialists who have the “heart” to serve their fellow Samarnons
“I have long prayed for us to have a medical institution that is accessible to our aspiring doctors, especially one that is in the Province of Samar," the governor added.
CHED cited that there are now eight medical schools in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and seven in Mindanao.
Under the law, a total of 2,689 underprivileged students have already been granted scholarships to enroll in State Universities and Colleges or partner private Higher Education Institutions across the country.