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CHED Approves Medicine Programs at 4 Universities
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Add The Colleges PH on GoogleFour more higher education institutions in the Philippines will soon be able to offer Doctor of Medicine programs, according to the Commission on Higher Education.
The move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand medical education and increase the number of doctors and other health care professionals across the country.

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Which Universities Were Approved?
CHED granted government permits to Tarlac State University (TSU) and North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), allowing these HEIs to operate the first and second year levels of their Doctor of Medicine programs.
In addition, CHED released Certificates of Program Compliance to Cavite State University (CvSU) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) for their Doctor of Medicine programs.
University Approval Type
| University | Approval Type |
|---|---|
| Tarlac State University (TSU) | Government Permit – 1st and 2nd year levels |
| North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) | Government Permit – 1st and 2nd year levels |
| Cavite State University (CvSU) | Certificate of Program Compliance |
| Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) | Certificate of Program Compliance |
CHED Prioritizes Quality as Medical Education Expands
In a statement released late Tuesday, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said quality education must remain a priority as the agency grants permits and compliance certificates to more institutions.
“Expanding opportunities to medical education must go hand in hand with maintaining quality, ensuring that future doctors receive the training and competencies needed to meet the country’s health care needs,” Agrupis said.
How the Approvals were Issued
These approvals were issued following careful evaluation visits for compliance validation, in adherence to CHED’s minimum requirements for the Doctor of Medicine program under CHED Memorandum Order No. 18, series of 2016.
What This Means for Aspiring Medical Students
With these approvals, students in the regions served by TSU, NEMSU, CvSU, and PLMun may have new local options for pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree, potentially expanding access to medical education outside of traditionally concentrated urban centers.
Interested applicants should coordinate directly with the respective university’s admissions or medical program office to confirm intake schedules, application requirements, and when each program will begin accepting students, since government permits and compliance certificates govern institutional authority to operate the program rather than specific enrollment timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which universities received CHED approval for Doctor of Medicine programs?
Tarlac State University (TSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Cavite State University (CvSU), and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun).
What is the difference between a government permit and a Certificate of Program Compliance?
Based on the announcement, TSU and NEMSU received government permits, allowing them to operate the first and second year levels of their Doctor of Medicine programs. CvSU and PLMun instead received Certificates of Program Compliance for their Doctor of Medicine programs.
Why is CHED expanding medical education programs?
This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand the country’s medical education and increase the number of doctors and healthcare professionals nationwide.
Does CHED ensure quality standards are still met when approving new medical programs?
Yes. CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis emphasized that expanding medical education opportunities must go hand in hand with maintaining quality, ensuring future doctors have the necessary training and competencies.
What standard did CHED use to evaluate these programs?
Approvals were issued following evaluation visits for compliance validation, based on CHED’s minimum requirements for the Doctor of Medicine program under CHED Memorandum Order No. 18, series of 2016.
Can I enroll in the Doctor of Medicine program at these universities now?
Interested students should contact each university directly to confirm when their Doctor of Medicine program will begin accepting students, along with specific admission requirements and timelines.



