Prof A. C. Sackey and Bernice Tamakloe unveiling the anniversary logo
The University of Ghana College of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, is set to introduce the Doctor of Pharmacy programme in the next academic year.
The introduction of the programme will add to the existing four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy programme currently being run by the school.
The Doctor of Pharmacy programme is designed to equip pharmacy graduates with more knowledge, skills and practical experience that would help them fit easily into the job situation, either in healthcare facilities or academia.
This was announced at the launch of the 10th anniversary which kick starts a year-long programme of activities, including public lectures, symposium, community outreach and student fun games, all culminating into a grand celebration in November 2017.
It was themed: ‘A Decade of Excellence In Pharmacy Education’.
Prof Aaron Nii Lantey Lawson, interim CEO of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, officially opening the activities stated that the programme has been long awaited, but said the delay was to ensure that the school legally embarked on the programme with the approval of the university and the relevant authorities.
He said the curriculum is unique in several ways, including its grounding in science; laboratory-based practicals to support the theory, exposure to essential courses in humanities and also the application of ICT.
“Another feature of the Doctor of Pharmacy programme at the University of Ghana is the opportunity given for graduate pharmacists to enroll into a two year top-up programme,” he said.
Prof Lawson also expressed his appreciation to the founding fathers, especially Prof. A. C. Sackey, Mrs Bernice Tamakloe, staff and students for embracing the difficult challenges of developing strategies and policies that ensured a firm foundation for the school.
Prof Isaac Julius Aseidu, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, recounted the humble beginning of the institution which was established a decade ago with 28 students. It can boast of highly experienced, committed and pleasant lecturers and scientists, many of who are practising pharmacists.
He said, “The training programme exposes our students early to hospital, community pharmacies and local pharmaceutical industries.
These enable our students to link theory to practice, acquire capabilities and competencies needed to meet today’s pharmaceutical challenges and patient care needs.”
Prof Richard Adanu, Dean of the School of Public Health, in his remarks urged the staff and students to be committed to moving the institution forward to where it is supposed to be.
“You can do this by coming up with ideas that will generate external funds for the development of the school,” he said.
The School of Pharmacy was established in November 2007 as a constituent of the College of Health Science after a discussion by the various stakeholders who believed that there was the need to establish a second institution in the country to train more pharmacies.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri