Public med school in Pampanga eyed
STO. TOMAS - The first govern ment-operated medical school in Pampanga will soon rise in this fourth district town, according to returning Congresswoman Anna York Bondoc-Sagum.
Bondoc-Sagum, who is unopposed in her comeback bid, disclosed that coordination for the establishment of the educational facility is currently ongoing and is eyed for opening by next year.
“Currently, iyong mga gustong mag-aral ng medicine or medical-related courses sa Pampanga would either go to Bulacan State University or sa mga private colleges kaya malaking bagay ito sa mga estudyante kapag nabuksan na natin ,” she said.
Bondoc-Sagum, who is also a medical doctor by profession, furthered that the operation of the medical school will be a partnership between the Don Honorio Ventura State University and the Jose B. Lingad Regional Memorial Hospital (JBLRMH).
“JBLRMH is actually one of the four biggest hospitals in the country along with the Philippine General Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, and the Southern Philippines
Medical Center among the four, only JBL has no partner medical school that’s why we really have to put up the medical school here in Pampanga,” the former lawmaker said.
She added: “Meron mga medical schools na wala naman hospitals pero tayo, medical school nalang ang kulang. Nandyan na ang JBLRMH at pumayag na sila actually.”
Among the courses that will be offered in the proposed medical school are Doctor of Medicine and Dental Medicine, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Medical Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Physical Therapy.
“As of now, nandyan na ang JBLRMH at meron naman actually na mga classrooms dito sa Sto. Tomas. Kailangan lang namin lakarin ang mga necessary permits pag-upo namin and then we can officially open the doors of the first public medical school in Pampanga,” Bondoc-Sagum said.