Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku (M) with Faculty members and matriculants
Fifty newly admitted medical students of Family Health University (FHU) have been urged to champion the cause of Health-for-All and commit themselves to excellence, integrity, and compassionate service in their chosen profession.
The charge is aimed at shaping the students’ professional outlook while inspiring them to become transformative leaders in healthcare delivery and strong advocates for quality healthcare.
Speaking at the university’s white coat and matriculation ceremony in Accra on the theme, “Pursuing Health-for-All through Transformative Health Professionals’ Education and Training,” the Vice Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume urged the students to discharge their duties diligently in order to become drivers of transformation in the healthcare system.
“As future physicians, you will be entrusted with lives, and hopes, which you will be expected to bear throughout your career beyond your academic achievements. Ask critical questions, embrace research, innovation and engage communities in humility. Above all, remember that every patient you will meet is first a human being who deserves dignity and compassion,” he said.
According to the Vice Chancellor, Health-for-All remained a global imperative, as millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, still lack access to basic quality healthcare despite advances in medicine and technology.
“These realities challenge us to rethink how we educate and train health professionals for the benefit of the general society,” he stated.
“At Family Health University, we believe that achieving Health-for-All begins with transformative education. This means training health professionals who are not only clinically competent, but also socially responsive, ethically grounded, technologically proficient and community-oriented,” he explained.
Prof. Kwawukume added that the university is deliberate in producing graduates who can work across disciplines, adapt to rapidly changing health systems, and respond effectively to both local and global health challenges.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, also urged the newly admitted medical students to recognise the vital role they would play in national development and therefore embrace innovation and research from their training.
“You are entering a profession that sits at the heart of national development. Healthcare is not just a service; it is a pillar of productivity, security and dignity. Our country must continue to build capacity in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production and clinical services.
“As future medical professionals, you must contribute to strengthening these systems and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible and affordable to all,” he added.
Dean of the School of Medicine at Family Health University, Dr. Sylvester Oppong, advised the students to study hard to achieve great feats in life given the resources invested in their education.
Present at the colourful ceremony were the Chairman of FHU Governing Council, Brig. Gen. Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong (rtd.), Founder of the Weija Leprosarium, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell and the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Philip Odonko.
Others were the Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, the Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Patience Aniteye, the Medical Coordinator at Family Health Hospital among other faculty members.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah