DOH stresses value of DTTB program

By AURORA J. CASIMPAN, PIA 8
December 28, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Doctors to the Barrios Program (DTTB) of the Department of Health which has been in existence for 18 years and has deployed 28 batches of 553 physicians to serve in hard to reach and in far flung towns in 16 regions, is a program of the government appreciated by individuals wanting to become doctors but financially unable to support medical school.

Scholars of the DTTB Program finish medical with the help of the Pinoy MD Medical scholarship Program and the First Gentleman Foundation, Inc.

DOH regional director Edgardo Gonzaga disclosed that the DTTB Program offers an attractive package which includes a competitive salary and Magna Carta benefits and with bonuses.

Professional support for the DDTBs include access to a vast network of both government and private institutions and DOH partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines in the development of the course, Master in Public Management Major in Health Systems.

In addition to the masters course is a Development Course specifically tailored for DTTBs in recognition of the learning opportunities package with the Program.

Director Gonzaga informed that in October, 2011, 26 DTTBs from previous batches were conferred with the degree of Master in Management Major in Health Science System and development while 18 DTTBs obtained a diploma in health system and development. The conferment of degrees and diplomas were given after the candidates were able to complete all the requirements needed to finish the course.

DOH plans to expand the DTTB program as the program seems to be the answer to the agency’s goal of “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan”.