TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JUL -7 A9:02 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No. 156 Introduced by Senator Erwin Tulfo AN ACT REQUIRING STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS) TO OFFER MEDICAL AND ALLIED HEALTH COURSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Article III, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution states "The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them." However, many provinces in our country— particularly underprivileged Filipino people continue to face a severe shortage of doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other health professionals. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the lack of healthcare workers in the Philippines is a "major roadblock" in making Filipinos among the healthiest people in Asia by 2040.' In addition, the Philippines' physician-to-population ratio stands at 7.92 per 10,000 people, falling short of the international minimum standard of 10 per 1 https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910004/doh-lack-of-healthcare- workers-an-obstacle-to-ph-goal-of-being-among-asia-s-healthiest-by-2040/story/, accessed last 16 June 2025.
10,000. Additionally, the country faces a shortage of at least 127,000 nurses, with most shortages concentrated in the private sector.? This bill seeks to address this gap by requiring the inclusion of medical and allied health courses in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). By expanding the program offerings in public higher education institutions, especially those located in remote areas, our government ensures that more students are given the opportunity to pursue health-related careers. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 2 https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2025/05/22/ateneo-study-highlights-workforce-hurdles- universal-health-care-philippines
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES JU! -7 A9:03 First Regular Session SENATE Senate Bill No. 156 Introduced by Senator Erwin Tulfo AN ACT REQUIRING STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS) TO OFFER MEDICAL AND ALLIED HEALTH COURSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as
2 the "Health Courses Expansion Act of 2025."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. Towards this end, the State shall ensure access to quality medical and allied health education, especially in underserved areas, by expanding the capacity of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
SEC. 3. Offering of Medical and Allied Health Courses. - SUCs
are required to offer degree programs in the following fields: a. Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
b. Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology; C. Bachelor of Science in Dentistry; Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy; and e. Other relevant allied health courses
SEC. 4. Programs. - The CHED, SUC, and other concerned
agencies shall provide support in the form of faculty development, infrastructure assistance, and academic partnerships. CHED shall also establish recognition programs for SUCs that contribute significantly to the development of the health workforce, especially in underserved regions.
SEC. 5. Implementing Agencies. - SUCs shall coordinate with
CHED and the Department of Health (DOH) for the phased implementation of this Act. Priority shall be given to SUCs located in regions with limited access to medical education. CHED shall provide guidelines for compliance, including faculty qualifications, laboratory and hospital affiliations, and accreditation requirements.
SEC. 6. Funding. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of CHED and SUCs. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - Should any provision or part of
this Act be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions and parts hereof, insofar as they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,