The Commission has been diligently exerting efforts so that programs being offered in the Philippines will be recognized by other countries, subject to existing rules and regulations and international conventions. Hence, we have cooperated with the meetings held for this purpose by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Office of the President.
On 08 May 2025, in order to present the nature of the program, program educational objectives, pathway that could aid other countries to recognize the medical degree being offered in the Philippines, CHED, thru the former Chair of the Commission on Higher Education, Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, communicated with the Indian Embassy of India in the Philippines and stated that the Doctor of Medicine program offered in higher education institutions in the Philippines is compliant with the requirements of the Indian National Medical Commission (NMC), as shown by the following:
1. The Doctor of Medicine Program consists of a 54-month program, excluding the baccalaureate program, followed by a 12-month clinical internship and clerkship program;
2. Upon completion of the Doctor of Medicine Program, the degree holder, whether a Filipino citizen or a foreigner, is entitled to immediately engage in restricted or limited practice in the Philippines before PLE2 which includes:
* Researcher/Medical Scientist/Innovator
* Health Professions teacher
* Health Information Manager
* Health Economist
* Health Policy Maker
* As a medical staff serving without any professional fee in any government or private hospital, provided that he renders such service, under the direct supervision and control of a registered physician; and
* Provider of medical services during epidemics or national emergencies whenever the services of duly registered physicians are not available. Such authorization shall automatically cease when the epidemic or national emergency is declared terminated by the Secretary of Health.
3. Full practice of medicine in the Philippines is a privilege granted to all holders of the Doctor of Medicine recognized by CHED, whether citizens of the Philippines or citizens of any foreign country, upon passing the Philippine Licensure Examination (PLE), subject to other administrative requirements. While the practice of medicine in the Philippines is a privilege granted only to those meeting the administrative requirements, it does not in any way affect the quality of the Doctor of Medicine Program earned in the Philippines by all degree holders;
4. All holders of Doctor of Medicine degree in the Philippines, regardless of nationality or citizenship, may obtain a valid license to practice in other countries such as USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and other countries, without having to appear in PLE in the Philippines, after appropriate examination and other requirements in their respective countries.
5. The Doctor of Medicine degree, as recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, is registrable for practice and is the same degree issued to Filipino graduates practicing in the Philippines after taking the PLE.
