After the elevation of the Sunyani Regional Hospital to the distinguished status of a teaching hospital, UENR is gearing up to establish a medical school at the Sunyani campus. Substantial progress has been made in the planning process for the full operation of an advanced medical school, aiming to cultivate a synergy of medical expertise and academic excellence in the region’s core.
Launching the new teaching hospital on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Bono Regional Hospital, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, representing President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo, revealed that the elevation of the regional hospital to its current status reflects the government’s dedication to realizing the objectives of the Agenda 111 policy in the country.
The Minister also disclosed that a proposal submitted to the Cabinet received approval for the establishment of a Medical School at UENR. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare, aligning with the objectives outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 3. He was optimistic that the presence of UENR and other tertiary institutions in the Bono region would collaboratively work to support the growth of the Teaching hospital. The honourable Minister again revealed that UENR is poised to enroll the inaugural group of medical students in the upcoming academic year.
Minister of Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu speaking on behalf of President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako expressed his joy at the establishment of the teaching hospital and noted that the integration of a medical school at UENR marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of holistic healthcare and educational advancement. He also mentioned that Students aspiring to join the medical profession will soon have the opportunity to receive top-tier training and education within the local landscape, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare services. The Vice-Chancellor gave the assurance that the University which is already running health-related programmes is competent and poised to host the medical school to provide quality education and research support to the hospital and the nation.
Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako giving his address
Adding his voice to that of the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of the University Health Services Directorate, Dr. Solomon Fofie noted that the new hospital status would provide healthcare to the doorsteps of patrons, reduce the Doctor to Patient ratio in the country as UENR would train more Doctors and healthcare professionals and also enhance research to meet the challenges trends in the medical field.
The Medical Director of the Bono Regional Hospital, Dr. Cardinal Newton in his address at the occasion expressed his joy saying that the birth of the new teaching hospital was a dream come true following collaborative efforts with UENR to engage the government’s approval for the teaching hospital and a medical school respectively. He added that the hospital, since its inception has been offering various specialized medical services to the Bono region and beyond hence, the upgrade of the hospital to its current status is a beacon of hope in the medical field signifying an inspiring approach to health care, medical education and excellence. Dr. Newton called for more collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders to move the teaching hospital to achieve its purpose of establishment.
Medical Director of the Bono Regional Hospital, Dr. Cardinal Newton
The event was graced and well attended by the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene; the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations and MP for Sunyani West, Hon. Ignatius Baffuor Awuah; the Director General of Ghana Health Services, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye; a representative of CEOs of Teaching Hospitals in Ghana, Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu; the Municipal Chief Executives of Sunyani West and East; a representative of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs as well as other well-respected dignitaries who gave their goodwill messages towards the teaching hospital’s success.
Also present on the UENR side were the Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah; the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu; the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Georgina Asi Owusu; and the Director of Finance, Mr. Paul Nana-Nketiah. Several Deans, faculty members, and other staff also attended to show their support for the university’s new development.
A Section of some UENR Staff at the event
The upgraded teaching hospital and the forthcoming medical school reflect a commitment to nurturing a generation of healthcare professionals who will play a vital role in the well-being of the Region and the country at large. The atmosphere at the launch reflects that the Sunyani community eagerly awaits the operation of the teaching hospital and the day the new medical school opens its doors, marking the dawn of a new era in healthcare and education for the region.
