The Family Health University (FHU) has urged medical students to champion the cause of Health-for-All and commit themselves to excellence, integrity and compassionate service.
Professor Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Vice-Chancellor of FHU, said this was crucial for shaping a more equitable, patient-centred and proactive healthcare system.
She said this during the university’s matriculation and White Coat ceremonies, which formally welcomed 50 fresh medical students into the institution.
The event was on the theme: “Pursuing Health-for-All Through Transformative Health Professionals’ Education and Training.”
Prof. Kwawukume said Health-for-All remained a global imperative, as millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, continued to 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 society,” she said.
Prof. Kwawukume stated that achieving Health-for-All began with transformative education, which involved training health professionals who were not only clinically competent but also socially responsive, ethically grounded, technologically proficient and community-oriented.
She urged the students to see themselves as drivers of transformation within the healthcare system.
“As future physicians, you will be entrusted with lives, confidences and hopes, which you will carry throughout your career beyond your academic achievements.
“Ask critical questions, embrace research and innovation, and engage communities with humility. Above all, remember that every patient you meet is first a human being who deserves dignity and compassion,” she advised.
Touching on the Matriculation Oath, the Vice-Chancellor explained that by taking the oath, the students affirmed their willingness to be shaped intellectually, ethically and professionally for the sacred duty of preserving life and promoting health.
She said the university was deliberate in producing graduates who could work across disciplines, adapt to rapidly changing health systems and respond effectively to both local and global health challenges.
Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, the Chief Executive Officer of Kinapharma, urged the newly admitted students to recognise the vital role they were preparing to play in national development.
“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,” he said.
He emphasised the need to strengthen local capacity in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stressing that Ghana’s advancement depended on resilient health systems driven by skilled professionals.
“Our country must continue building capacity in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production and clinical services,” he added.
“As future medical professionals, you must contribute to strengthening these systems and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible and affordable to all.”
Dr Nsiah-Poku encouraged the students to embrace innovation and research from the onset of their training.
Dr Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the School of Medicine, reminded the students that the years ahead would be demanding but rewarding.
“There will be long nights and moments of uncertainty, but there will also be the gratitude of a patient and the relief of a family,” he said.
He advised them to wear their white coats with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, emphasising that medicine was not simply a career but a calling.
Ms Addo-Listowell, a matriculant, expressed appreciation to the university’s management, faculty and staff, as well as parents and guardians, for their unwavering support throughout their academic journey.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Chairman of the FHU Governing Council, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong (Rtd.); the Founder of the Weija Leprosarium, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell; and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Odonkor.