UP Board okays school of medicine in Mindanao, RadTech program in Manila

The University of the Philippines (UP) is expanding its health-related programs following the approval of new academic initiatives aimed at addressing the country's healthcare workforce gaps.

During its 1408th meeting held on April 30 at the UP Bonifacio Global City campus in Taguig, the UP Board of Regents approved the establishment of the UP Mindanao School of Medicine, and the offering of a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BS RadTech) in UP Manila.

The UP Mindanao School of Medicine is expected to help address the shortage of physicians, particularly in underserved areas in southern Philippines. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regional access to medical education and healthcare services.

The BS Radiologic Technology program, meanwhile, will be offered under the UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions. The baccalaureate program seeks to produce more skilled radiologic technologists, amid growing demand for healthcare professionals in diagnostic and imaging services. It is open to recent UPCAT qualifiers, the university said.

UP Manila, the country's premier health sciences center, has been at the forefront of training medical and allied health professionals, making the addition of the RadTech program a key step in expanding the country's healthcare workforce.

The Board of Regents—the highest policy-making body of the university—also approved the UP Collective Mentorship Program, which seeks to strengthen support for graduate education, research, creative work, innovation, and public service.

The latest approvals reflect UP's continuing efforts to respond to national development needs, particularly in the health sector, where shortages in both physicians and allied health workers remain a major concern. — VDV, GMA News