Family Health University, formerly Family Health University College, achieved a significant milestone with the conferment of its charter, marking its transition to a fully-fledged university. This achievement was celebrated at a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, who commended the institution for its substantial contribution to medical education in Ghana. The Minister lauded the vision and dedication of the Founder and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, in establishing and nurturing the institution to its present status. He affirmed the government’s recognition of the university’s fulfillment of all requisite regulatory standards and pledged continued support for its endeavors in delivering high-quality medical education and addressing the nation’s healthcare needs.
The Minister of Education underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation in education, citing Family Health University as a prime example of successful private investment in the sector. He announced the government’s intention to establish a National Research Fund designed to support research initiatives across the country, including those undertaken by Family Health University. He specifically encouraged the institution to expand its research activities, particularly in the area of cervical cancer, a significant health concern in Ghana. This fund will provide critical resources to fuel research and innovation, enabling institutions like Family Health University to contribute meaningfully to addressing pressing health challenges.
Prof. Kwawukume echoed the university’s commitment to research and community development, emphasizing the importance of translating research findings into actionable solutions. He outlined the university’s plans to conduct extensive research utilizing Pap smears as a key tool in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. He stressed the importance of immediate implementation of research findings, signifying a commitment to translate knowledge into practical applications that directly impact the community’s health and well-being. This approach reflects the university’s dedication to not only generating knowledge but also ensuring its practical application to address tangible health needs.
Prof. Kwawukume highlighted the significance of the charter as a catalyst for impactful community engagement. He articulated his vision for leveraging the university’s new status to embark on research projects with a strong emphasis on immediate implementation of findings. He emphasized that research conducted at Family Health University will not be confined to academic publications but will be translated into tangible actions aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. He underscored the institution’s commitment to providing practical solutions to address real-world health challenges.
Furthermore, Prof. Kwawukume expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education and other attendees for their support and recognized the dedication of the university’s faculty. He emphasized the importance of training medical professionals locally, enabling students to pursue their education within a familiar environment and close to their families. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and contributes to building a strong local medical workforce. The university’s focus on local training underlines its commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare capacity from within.
In addition to its emphasis on local training, Family Health University has forged international collaborations with renowned institutions such as Michigan University and Virginia University. These partnerships enhance the university’s academic and research capabilities, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborative projects. The university has also invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including a mortuary equipped with an anatomized table, further demonstrating its commitment to providing a high-quality medical education. Prof. Kwawukume reiterated the university’s dedication to making a meaningful impact through research and innovation, emphasizing that immediate implementation of research findings will be a defining characteristic of the institution’s operations moving forward. This proactive approach to translating research into action will be instrumental in addressing critical health challenges and advancing healthcare in Ghana.
