For the first time in many years, the number of female qualified doctors graduating from the KNUST School of Medical Sciences outnumbered their male colleagues. Out of a total of 115 new doctors, 58 were females and 57 males. This was disclosed by the Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Antwi Danso, at the 17th Oath Swearing and Induction Ceremony of the School of Medical Sciences. Prof. Danso noted that since 1982 to date, the total number of graduates from the school amount to 1,513.
He said that, the Health Sciences College is working tirelessly to make the Medical profession more lucrative and has plans to put up a Clinical Skills laboratory at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. He also announced the introduction of a Master of Science degree programme in Disability and a Master of Science degree programme in Anatomy.
He congratulated the University administration and lecturers for training the doctors and equipping them with the requisite knowledge in their chosen profession. The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Peter Donkor stated that the new doctors have been trained to reduce the rate of maternal mortality in the country, as such they would be posted to the districts and villages to work. He commended Donyma Steel Complex for supporting the school in 2009. He advised the doctors to do all they can to heal the sick and prevent death. He encouraged them to seek professional help in times of difficulty and to make their Alma mater proud.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa described the ceremony as a "solemn but glorious occasion for the Medical profession". He advised them to be guided by the 'Oath' which offered them the platform to proclaim their solitary commitment to the profession. Prof. Adarkwa noted that, the demand for more doctors has propelled the school to expand the Medical Students hostel at KATH and to increase the laboratories and equipment at the Medical School. Again in order to help ease the congestion at KATH, the school is exploring the district hospitals to take in trainees. In advising the doctors, he encouraged them to continue their search for knowledge and to maintain a true sense of brotherliness among their fellow colleagues. He congratulated parents for supporting their children through the medical school.
The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. K. O. Adadey, in an address, revealed that the council in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is setting up a unit which would cater for the placement of all House Officers over the two year period of the Housemanship. Also, it has stepped up its advocacy role to encourage other stakeholders to help the doctors succeed in their profession, he added. He advised the doctors to be guided by the ethics of the profession and to manage their clients with all the skills and knowledge at their disposal. Above all, he said they should work with passion.
The Director for Human Resources of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ebenezar Appiah Denkyera advised the new doctors to continue to crave for knowledge and that their works should be their testimony. He explained that the Medical Profession is a divine call and therefore a doctor is an answer to the sick's prayer in a village or district. He told the doctors to have time for their faith and to use their profession to support the vulnerable in society.
Representing the Minister of Health the Acting Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Joseph Oduro, cautioned the new doctors to let the patient or client be the focus of all they do. He emphasized that teamwork with other colleague doctors, nurses, pharmacists, cleaners and the other staff would be very important. "Discipline, integrity, innovation and excellence should be the hallmark of a professional doctor", he added.
Some awards and prizes were presented to deserving graduates by the Vice - Chancellor.
