The Philippines- a preferred destination for medical education?

The Philippines is revolutionising medical education by providing affordable and value-formoney learning options at a fraction of the cost. With yearly tuition prices ranging from 2,000 to 6,000, it offers an economically realistic option for ambitious professionals worldwide. Furthermore, its curriculum is matched with US standards, ensuring seamless integration into foreign jobs, particularly in North America. This is supported by a strong network of residency programmes in the United States that aggressively seek the expertise of Philippine medical graduates.

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Kadwin Pillai, Director, Transworld Educare and Chairman, Kings International Medical Academy, India

The global medical education system is currently grappling with several pressing challenges. Foremost among these is the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, a problem which is aggravated by the ever-growing demand for healthcare services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), projections indicate a shortfall of over 15 million health workers by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for action. In addition to this shortage, there is intense competition for medical school seats, particularly in countries such as the US and Canada. This competition further complicates the task of educating and training an adequate number of medical professionals to meet global healthcare demands. Moreover, the high costs and limited availability of seats in medical colleges, notably in countries like India, drive many aspiring doctors to pursue education abroad. However, concerns persist regarding the quality of education and the challenges associated with passing licensing examinations upon returning home, deterring some from this option.