GOVERNMENT ASSURES SUPPORT FOR THE GROWTH OF FAMILY HEALTH UNIVERSITY
The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged government’s support for Family Health University (FHU), particularly in the areas of research, medical education, and training of healthcare professionals.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the official launch of FHU in Accra, Hon. Iddrisu commended the institution for its remarkable growth and its contributions to Ghana’s healthcare sector.
Mr. Iddrisu reflected on the university’s journey, acknowledging the pivotal role of President John Dramani Mahama, who witnessed the early development of Family Health College, now transformed into a full-fledged university. He praised the vision and leadership of Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, whose dedication to medical education has had a significant impact on Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
The minister acknowledged FHU’s achievements, including the training of over 100 doctors and more than 1,000 nurses who are serving in various parts of the country. He emphasised the importance of addressing the deficit of medical practitioners, especially in rural and underserved areas. He proposed a potential collaboration with FHU to train local doctors willing to serve their communities.
Hon. Iddrisu also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting academic freedom, assuring that the NDC administration would not interfere with university governance.
He revealed plans to reconstitute the councils of various universities in the coming days. He also announced the imminent inauguration of the National Research Fund, which will support academic research, including projects initiated by FHU.
Prof. Kwawukume, the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of FHU, highlighted the university’s growth from a college to Ghana’s first private university with a medical school, reflecting its commitment to healthcare delivery, research advancement, and global competitiveness.
He noted the university’s recent infrastructural developments, including a state-of-the-art dialysis unit, a modern dental facility, upgraded surgical theatres, and student-friendly amenities like air-conditioned lecture halls and a multipurpose field.
The Vice-Chancellor proudly shared that FHU has trained thousands of healthcare professionals, some of whom have earned recognition across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern regions. He also emphasised FHU’s inclusion in the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which allows its graduates to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).