Free Education Program Improves Health Research System Quality

An innovative and responsive health research system is founded upon a quality higher education system.

This was conveyed by chairperson Prospero De Vera of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) who spoke before researchers from Western Visayas at the 3rd Western Visayas Health Conference recently here, according to a press release from CHED.

De Vera said the Free Higher Education program under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Quality Tertiary Education Act has prompted higher education institutions now to comply with the quality standards set by CHED in order to access government funds.

“While the law provides opportunities for those who have less in life to be outstanding researchers someday, it also encourages higher education institutions to comply with quality standards,” he added.

He pointed out the importance of research and innovation in advancing health care quality and outcomes.

“Research and innovation are necessary to improve the health system so that it can attain its goal of promoting, restoring, or maintaining the health of the people,” said De Vera.

Through the current administration, CHED has also funded free medical tuition in eight State Universities and Colleges.

The University of the Philippines, through its School of Health Sciences, has been educating community scholars to become midwives, nurses, and doctors. The event was organized by the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium, in cooperation with the regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology, DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and Department of Health. (LTP/CHED/CBA/PIA6)