The Government through Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) will offer education loans to Bumiputera doctors who are qualified to further their studies to the specialist level.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said for a start, the offer would be made to 100 candidates to further their studies in selected local universities.

"The government is always committed to assist and encourage medical graduates to continue their studies to a higher level," he said at a gathering with medical students from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) and MARA excellent students, here Sunday night.

He said higher qualifications were needed to support innovative, technical and professional development to increase productivity which was a criteria of a high-income nation.