Only six out of 12 applicants for Negros Oriental Medical Scholars were accepted and signed contracts with Gov. Roel Degamo  at the Capitol Friday.

Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital chief, Dr. Felix Sy, said the number of medical scholars in the province has improved every year, and that the 2011-2015 batch is, so far, the largest number.  

The six medical scholars are Darell Limquiaco, Via Vita Pinili, Delwin Nuiqui, Pearl Angelie Roda, Christine Chona Grace Javier and Marven Louie Ragay. 

Most of them are licensed nurses and medical technologists. 

Sy said the province has four successful full-fledged medical doctors who have availed of the scholarship program. There are now two medical interns expected to become full-fledged medical doctors early next year.

Provincial government records show that there are 15 medical scholars enrolled at the Silliman University Medical School, in Dumaguete City.

Sy said the program was implemented to solve the problem of lack of medical doctors in the province that, in fact, has hired retired doctors in order to provide quality medical service to its people.*MA