UHAS Introduces New Academic Programmes to Enhance Global Competence

According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, the programmes include the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (six years undergraduate), Bachelor of Health Service Administration (four years undergraduate), and a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Psychology with options in Clinical Psychology, Neuro Psychology, and Counselling Psychology (six years undergraduate and Masters). Additional programmes are MPhil Midwifery, MPhil and Ph.D. Medical Laboratory Sciences, M.Phil and Ph.D. Pharmacology, M.Phil and Ph.D. Toxicology, MSc, M.Phil and Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and M.Phil and Ph.D. Pharmacognosy.Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of UHAS, revealed these developments during the Matriculation of students for the 2024/2025 academic year. She emphasized that the new programmes are aligned with UHAS's mission to advance healthcare education and produce competent healthcare professionals capable of addressing national and global healthcare needs. The focus remains on student- centred, practical, skills-based training for enhanced outcomes and employability.The Vice Chancellor cited the global demand for advanced expertise in public health and research for development as a justification for the new programmes. She highlighted the university's commitment to producing professionals who can lead innovation in the 21st century and improve outcomes towards precision medicine. Currently, UHAS is running undergraduate and 25 postgraduate programmes in various fields of Health and Allied Sciences.Prof Aziato disclosed that 4,640 students were offered admission out of 14,412 undergraduate applications received. For the postgraduate programmes, 285 admissions were offered out of 417 applications, with 249 students enrolling, representing 45.8 percent females and 54.2 percent males. Overall, undergraduate and postgraduate total student enrollment stood at 2,775 for the 2024/2025 academic year, marking a 50 percent growth compared to the 1,850 in the previous academic year.She announced the introduction of Access and Top-up programmes through a Sandwich mode and the activation of a weekend Master's programme at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, catering to the working class unable to gain study leave. Other schools are expected to replicate this example soon.Prof Aziato urged the new students to embody UHAS's four beliefs: Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and Service and Care, encouraging them to achieve excellence by developing critical thinking skills and balancing academic and social life.She highlighted challenges such as the lack of potable water, accommodation, projectors, internal roads, and streetlights at both Ho and Hohoe campuses, appealing for national and international support to address these needs. UHAS prioritizes student welfare and encourages students to utilize the Office of the Dean of Students and avoid suffering in silence.The Vice Chancellor warned against exam malpractice, stating that sanctions would be swift and fully applied. She urged students to exhibit self-discipline and be mindful of their environment and security.Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, launched the new programmes and assured that the University's challenges would be addressed in consultation with the Coordinating Council, government, and development partners. He recognized the vision of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, who established UHAS, and affirmed that UHAS remains committed to training health professionals to address diverse health issues in the country and beyond.