Tertiary education is quite costly and students took the opportunity to study with the aid of financial assistance from different institutions. There has been a lot of financial aid or monetary assistance offered by different institutions as well as government agencies.
You can check out CHED scholarships, DOST scholarships, and others and see the qualifications to apply. For Medical students who wish to apply for a scholarship program to aid their studies, you can check out the medical scholarship program known as the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act or Republic Act 11509.
What is the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act (Republic Act 11509) / Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program?
The Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act (Republic Act 11509) is a scholarship program that seeks to establish a medical scholarship and return program to help medical students pursue their medical education and training in the field of health and medicine. The return program shall enable medical students to render services in government public health offices or government hospitals in their hometown and any undeserved municipality in any province to take part in the public health and medical service system.
Thus, ensuring the availability of doctors to provide quality basic, promotive, preventive, and curative health care services in every municipality in the country, particularly in the underserved and remote communities, and economically underdeveloped, distressed, conflict-afflicted, and geographically disadvantaged areas.
Establishment of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program
The establishment of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program is intended for deserving students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) or in partner private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Provided, that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) may designate more than one (1) partner private higher education institutions (PHEIs) in the region, including the regions of existing SUCs offering the Doctor of Medicine program as deemed necessary upon consultation with the Department of Health (DOH).
Benefits
Scholars are intended to receive the following perks and benefits.
- This scholarship shall cover the implementation of the MSRS program encompassing the number of years of medical education, the Summer Immersion Program (SIP) or Community Orientation Summer Workshop (COSW), and one (1) year of post-graduate internship of medical students.
- This scholarship program also includes the period for taking the Physician Licensure Examination and the completion of the return service agreement.
- The scholarship program covers the following:
- Free tuition and other school fees
- Allowance for prescribed books, supplies, and equipment
- They shall also receive an allowance for clothing or uniform.
- An allowance for dormitory or boarding house accommodation
- Transportation allowance
- Internship fees including financial assistance during the mandatory internship
- Medical board review fees and licensure fees
- Annual medical insurance, PHIC enrollment, accident insurance, and
- Other education-related miscellaneous subsistence or living allowance
Take Note: Priority is given to qualified applicants residing in areas with no government physicians to ensure the assignment of a doctor in every municipality of the country.
Qualifications
Applicants of the MSRS program shall possess the following qualifications.
- They must be a Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines.
- They must be a graduating student or a graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree from any Higher Education Institution duly recognized by the CHED including a direct entrant to the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) Program who satisfactorily completes the first two (2) years of the program. Provided that deserving incoming second-year medical students and those in the higher levels of the Doctor of the Medicine Program shall also be covered as long as they have complied with the academic requirements and retention policies of the school in the past terms preceding their scholarship application.
- Applicants must have also passed the entrance examination and complied with other related requirements for admission into a Doctor of Medicine degree in the SUC or PHEI where the scholar intends to enroll as well as the other requirements of the CHED and DOH.
- They must also obtain a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and required by the SUC or PHEI where the student intends to enroll.
Requirements
Below is a list of the minimum documentary requirements that each applicant must provide and secure before applying to the said scholarship program.
General Requirements
- Proof of Filipino citizenship such as any government-issued document showing proof of Filipino citizenship including but not limited to a certified true copy of a birth certificate, and PHILSYS ID.
- A Certificate of Good Moral Character
- Additional requirements for priority groups if applicable;
- A Certificate of Residency from Barangay
- Certification as a member of indigenous people or minority group or a national commission on indigenous people (NCIP) certificate.
- A Tax Exemption or Tax Declaration from BIR or social case study duly signed by a registered social worker where the applicant resides.
Specific Requirements
- A Certification of Acceptance from the SUCs and PHEIs (i.e. have passed the admission requirements, standards, and policies of chosen HEI as well as the other requirements of the CHED.
- Affidavit of No Existing Scholarship Grant (i.e. have not availed of any scholarship grants or with return service obligation at the time of application or at the same period).
Conditions for the Scholarship Grant
Accepted applicants shall then be subjected to the following conditions:
- They must sign an agreement stating the terms and conditions of the scholarship on a form prescribed by the CHED and the DOH under the provisions of the Act.
- Additionally, scholars must carry a full load of subjects prescribed per semester by SUC or PHEI and shall not under any circumstance drop a course that will result in underloading.
- Scholars must also finish the entire Doctor of Medicine program within the prescribed timeframe of the SUC or the PHEI where the scholar is enrolled, subject to retention policies of the SUC or the PHEI.
- Also, accepted students are allowed to defer enrollment or to file a leave of absence (LOA) and this will be considered as the prescribed time frame.
- Scholars may be also allowed to transfer to other SUC or PHEIs provided that the transfer is valid and justifiable and shall be subject to the originating and receiving SUC or PHEI admission, promotion, and retention policies. The grounds for the transfer to another SUC or PHEI are the following but not limited to:
- Change of residence
- Safety and security or peace and order situations
- Financial concerns
- National calamities
- Health reasons
- Force Majeure
- Greater access to academic opportunities
- Other analogous cases
- Provided that the transfer shall not impair the MSRS program as originally prescribed upon the student.
- Scholars must undertake the mandatory internship as prescribed by CHED recognized institution of medical schools upon graduation from the Doctor of Medicine Program or in the last year of the Doctor of Medicine program for scholars under a five (5) year program. Provided that medical scholars under a four (4) year Doctor of Medicine program are given priority to be cross-matched with government hospitals. Provided further that if no more slots are available in such government hospitals, the mandatory internship program must be undertaken in a DOH-accredited public health facility or hospital or any accredited government health facility or hospital within the region subject to compliance with the requirements of the association which credit an internship program.
- Scholars must also take the board examination within a maximum period of one (1) year after completion of the mandatory internship program for scholars under a four (4) year Doctor of Medicine program and one (1) year upon graduation for scholars under a five (5) year Doctor of Medicine program.
- Additionally, they must render a return of service.
- Also, graduates entering into an RSA shall be required to serve in one of the DOH-specified priority health facilities within the public sector in the Philippines, on a full-time basis for one (1) year for every scholarship year availed within one (1) year upon graduation or acquiring the necessary license to practice, provided that those who will serve for additional two (2) years shall be provided with additional incentives as determined by the DOH.
Take Note: Scholars who failed to pass their first licensure examination within one (1) year after graduation and completion of the mandatory internship and other academic requirements shall shoulder all the necessary expenses for the succeeding professional licensure examinations.
Grounds for Disqualification
Scholars must be mindful of the following grounds for disqualification and avoid these things happening to continuously benefit from the scholarship program.
- Scholars violated any of the terms and conditions of the scholarship agreement.
- Submission of falsified or fraudulent documents.
- Failure to meet the academic requirements or to complete the course within the prescribed period without valid cause as may be determined by the SUC or PHEI.
- Violation of any student disciplinary rules and regulations of the SUC or PHEI that merit the penalty of expulsion or suspension for more than one (1) year.
- Transfer to non-partner PHEI.
- Exceeding the allowable period of the LOA.
- The scholar accepts another scholarship or grants from another government or private agency or entity while enjoying the benefits under the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program.
- While being a scholar, the scholar committed gross misconduct in a manner that would bring significant damage to the concerned SUC or PHEI, its administration, faculty, and students, and to the community.
- Additionally, termination results in repayment of the full cost of the scholarship and repayment of related benefits received including all expenses incurred during participation in the scholarship program.
How to Process MSRS Scholarship
To apply for the said scholarship program, the applicant shall be guided by the following application and selection process.
Step 1: Interested applicants shall apply in the SUCs and PHEIs of their choice within or near the province or region of their residence.
Step 2: Applicants shall then undergo a screening and selection process as defined by the SUCs or PHEIs for admission to the Medical Program or Course.
Step 3: Then, the SUCs or PHEIs shall endorse the list of scholarship applicants to CHED for evaluation and validation.
Step 4: Upon receiving, CHED shall validate the results from the SUCs and PHEIs. Priority shall be given to deserving applicants from, but not limited to the groups in the following order of priority:
- Those applicants reside in a municipality without a government physician.
- Those who are residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) or from the top twenty (20) percent of provinces and/or municipalities identified by the PSA, calamity-prone, and conflict areas.
- Applicants belonging to the ethnic group or indigenous population or communities as certified by the respective local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
- Those who are dependents of Community Health volunteers.
- Those who reside in low-income municipalities have high poverty incidence.
- Those whose combined annual family income of less than PHP 450,000.
- CHED shall endorse the list of approved/accepted scholars to the concerned SUCs and PHEIs to facilitate the enrollment of the scholars.
Step 5: Lastly, the partner school shall notify the applicants of the status of their application. Additionally, all accepted scholars shall be enrolled accordingly. Also, the SUCs and PHEIs shall submit enrolled scholars to CHED for documentation.
Important Reminders
Below are some of the important things you have to remember when you apply for the scholarship program.
- In any case that the scholar fails to obtain a passing grade in the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) within five (5) years from the time he or she has completed the mandatory internship program or if the scholarship status has been terminated, the scholar may choose from the following options:
- Repay the full cost of the scholarship and related expenses to the CHED, or
- Has the option to engage in work within the public health service system such as engaging in health-related research work for the government or teaching health-related subjects in a public educational institution or being integrated into the public health service system for at least one (1) year for every scholarship availed. Additionally, the alternative return service shall exclude the period of mandatory internship and residency training that is undertaken in a private health institution or facility.
- Scholars may be only allowed to transfer to SUCs or PHEIs provided that the transfer is allowed by the originating and receiving partner HEIs and the reason for transfer is justified. Also, formal evaluation and validation by the CHED through its regional offices shall be conducted, and necessary supporting documents are provided.
- Additionally, scholars may be allowed to take a leave of absence (LOA) once for the whole duration of the program which is subject to the following conditions:
- The reason for LOA is valid and justified with the written request and other supporting documents as required.
- The LOA is compliant with the guidelines and policies of the partner HEIs and affiliate hospitals and provided that the LOA does not exceed one (1) school year.
- Moreover, in case of failure to complete the internship within the prescribed period, the MSRS program shall not be obliged to provide a monthly stipend. Provided, the delay is not attributable to the scholar or any intervening fortuitous events.
Video: Study in Med School for Free (Doktor Para Sa Bayan Act Explained)
Check out the video through the link provided above to learn more about the said scholarship program. The video will talk deeper into the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act and will give you some helpful tips on the application procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still apply to other scholarship programs and grants even if I’m already a beneficiary of the Doctor Para sa Bayan Act or the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program?
If you are already a beneficiary of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program, you are not allowed to apply to or accept any other scholarship programs from the government or private agency or entity while still enjoying the privileges from the Doctor Para sa Bayan Act or MSRS program. Consequently, he or she will be subject to termination or disqualification from the said scholarship program.
2. Are the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program accepting applications for the academic year 2023-2024?
The application for the academic year 2023-2024 is not yet open. Hence, stay tuned and updated for the announcement of the opening of applications on the official website of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or other government agencies or institutions.
3. Can I still continuously benefit from the said scholarship program even if I have plans to transfer to another school or university?
If you wish to transfer schools, make sure that the transfer is valid and justifiable and shall be subject to the originating and receiving SUC or PHEIs admission, promotion, and retention policies. Additionally, the transfer shall not also impair the MSRS program as originally prescribed upon the student. Hence, transfer only to schools that are eligible and covered by the MSRS program.
4. What are the examinations I have to pass to become eligible for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program? Is the physician licensure examination covered by the scholarship grant?
To qualify for the scholarship program, you have to pass first the entrance examination and complied with other related requirements for admission into a Doctor of Medicine degree in the SUC or PHEI where the scholar intends to enroll as well as the other requirements of the CHED and DOH. Aside from that, they must also obtain a National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and required by the SUC or PHEI where the student intends to enroll.
5. How long is the return service program? Is it required?
After completion of their graduate studies, graduates entering into an RSA shall be required to serve in one of the DOH-specified priority health facilities within the public sector in the Philippines, on a full-time basis for one (1) year for every scholarship year availed within one (1) year upon graduation or acquiring the necessary license to practice, provided that those who will serve for additional two (2) years shall be provided with additional incentives as determined by the DOH. It is a requisite and one of the conditions of the scholarship.
6. Is there a maintaining grade or general weighted average to continuously benefit from the scholarship?
To continuously benefit from the scholarship, scholars must also maintain a passing grade and average. Otherwise, failure to meet the academic requirements or to complete the course within the prescribed period without valid cause as may be determined by the SUC or PHEI is another ground for disqualification or termination from the scholarship.
7. Does the scholarship program cover undergraduate studies or programs?
The MSRS program is intended for deserving students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) or in partner private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Additionally, this program is offered to graduating students or a graduate of an appropriate undergraduate program identified as a prerequisite for a Doctor of Medicine degree from any HEI duly recognized by the CHED including a direct entrant to the Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) Program who satisfactorily completes the first two (2) years of the program. Hence, undergraduate studies or programs are not covered by the scholarship.
Summary
Hence, this is the process of applying for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) Program (Doktor Para sa Bayan Act). Just always keep in mind all the important things being discussed in the article such as the conditions of the scholarship program and the grounds for disqualification.
If you are qualified to apply, prepare yourself for the examinations you have to pass to pursue your medical degree. Also, always remember that you have to maintain passing grades to continuously benefit from the scholarship and abide by the guidelines set for the program.
The application for the scholarship program may be highly competitive. Hence, you have to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Good luck with your application.