THE Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-Barmm) announced that graduates of pre-medical courses in the region may avail themselves of free medical schooling starting August this year.

Dr. Bashary Latiph, MOH minister, and University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Francisco Gil Garcia inked a memorandum of agreement Monday, July 12, in Kabacan, North Cotabato, to formally start the Barmm Medical Scholarship Program with 30 slots in the university.

Latiph said the scholarship is a milestone in the effort to attain optimum healthcare service to the people of Barmm.

"This memorandum of agreement is the first step towards the realization of more healthcare professionals, especially doctors, for Barmm and Region 12," Latiph said.

Latiph added that the scholarship program will cover 100 percent of all expenses of the scholar that include tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, monthly allowance, book allowance, uniforms, laboratory fees, and other expenses that will be incurred during the classes.

The Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City and the Brokenshire College Inc. in Davao City are the ministry's two other partner schools for the medical scholarship, with 15 and six scholars, respectively.

Barmm has allotted P14.35 million under the 2021 budget of the health ministry for the medical scholarship program.

Dr. Tato Usman, chief of MOH's Health Human Resource Development, said the scholars, upon graduation and passing the board examination, will be required to do return of service to their communities for two years. (SunStar Zamboanga)