Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang (M) inaugurating the facility with Samuel Amo Tobbin (R) and Apostle Eric Nyamekye
Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, has inaugurated the Entrance University of Health Sciences established to bridge the gap between education, research and practical healthcare solutions in Africa.
The university, located on the Spintex road with four major faculties, is designed to equip students with knowledge and practical clinical training to enable them thrive in the modern healthcare system.
The university, which is affiliated to the Tobinco Group, has the School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Dentistry, School of Nursing, and a dental hospital.
As the first private tertiary institution to establish a dental school, it is also expected to foster collaborative research to help address Africa’s healthcare challenges, build the capacities of healthcare professionals in emerging technologies as well as contribute to the growth of made in Ghana pharmaceutical and healthcare products across the continent.
The Vice President, who commended management and staff, especially the Chancellor of the University, Samuel Amo Tobbin, described his vision as a noteworthy contribution to health education in Ghana.
She said although Ghana has not yet attained an ideal position in the World Health Organisation recommended doctor and dentist to population ratio, it is important for people to acknowledge the importance of preventive and curative healthcare to families and communities.
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his part, stated that though Ghana had made progress in human health resources, there are still significant gaps with many communities still lacking access to medical, nursing and dental services.
He indicated that the integration of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and the dental hospital therefore represent a timely and thoughtful contribution to Ghana’s most pressing health challenges.
He stated, “Growing the pool of trained professionals is not just necessary, it is urgent. There is therefore the need to train and deploy more skilled health professionals and ensure they are available where they are needed most.”
Chancellor of Entrance University and Executive Chairman of the Tobinco Group, Mr. Samuel Amo Tobbin said the university was established to help address the challenges faced by many young students in their quest to pass their licensure exams in Ghana after studying medicine abroad, particularly in Ukraine and China.
According to him, while the problem may be attributable to exposure to different culture, especially language differences among others, Entrance University of Health Sciences would not only provide students with knowledge but also skills to succeed in a global competitive market.
Mr. Amo Tobbin also appealed to government to provide private tertiary institutions, especially those offering specialised programmes in health, with the needed support to enable them contribute to health education for the total well-being of Ghanaians.
Also present at the inauguration ceremony were the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Ministers of State, policy makers, health professionals from Ghana and some African countries.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah