Bill establishes scholarships for health professionals

To prevent a looming healthcare crisis, a lawmaker has filed a bill establishing a scholarship and return service program for aspiring pharmacists and other allied health professionals.

- Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

The measure, House Bill 7355, aims to strengthen the country’s public health system by ensuring a steady supply of trained medical personnel.

Under the bill filed by Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, deserving students can pursue priority allied health programs through fully funded government scholarships. In return, scholars are required to serve in their local public health facilities after passing their respective licensure exams.

“We may not notice or be aware of it, but we are facing a looming healthcare crisis owing to our dwindling workforce of radiologic technologists, pharmacists, midwives, and other allied medical professionals. The support they deliver in terms of diagnostic, rehabilitation, and technical services is indispensable to our healthcare system, especially in rural communities and other underserved areas,” Yamsuan said in filing the bill in line with his H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunities and Jobs, Peace and Order, and Education) legislative agenda.