Koforidua Technical University (KTU), formerly known as Koforidua Polytechnic, has inaugurated its Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences (FHAS) at a colourful ceremony at the Abba Bentil Andam theatre in Koforidua.
The theme for the occasion was ‘building a healthy and wealthy people for development through health technology.’
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Prof Esther Sakyi Dawson, the University’s Council Chairman.
Also in attendance were Prof (Mrs) Smile Dzisi, Vice Chancellor, Dr Nicholas Apreh Siaw, the Dean of FHAS, managers of major health institutions in the Eastern Region and other traditional leaders in the Koforidua Municipality.
Staff, management members and students of the University were also present at the inaugural ceremony.
The Faculty currently has a student population of 238 in the Department of Biomedical Engineering Technology and Medical Laboratory Science.
The first batch of students was admitted in the 2015/16 academic year.
Its current programmes include Higher National Diploma (HND) in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Laboratory Science.
The programmes in the faculty will be expanded to train students in the fields of Radiology, Optometry, Dispensing Technology, Nursing, Medical Assistantship, Health Promotion, and Health Records Management.
Prof Momar Ndao, Director of National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Canada, made a presentation on technological advancement and disease control while Prof Dominic Adotei Eddoh of the Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, University of Ghana, spoke on the topic ‘the role of allied health scientists in the prevention, control and treatment of communicable diseases.’
In his address, Dr Siaw stated that FHAS was established in 2014 in fulfilment of the Strategic Thrust One (1) of the 2010/14 Strategic plan of the then Koforidua Polytechnic.
He disclosed that the setting up of the faculty fits into the mission of the national Council for Tertiary Education and the Ministry of Health to increase science related programmes, and to ensure access to quality health, reproduction and nutrition services to all people living in Ghana.
Dr Siaw was optimistic that the faculty would help promote the development of the local health industry.
The faculty works in close partnership with management of the university, local and international stakeholders to offer a range of unparalleled services to staff and students.
In partnership with 4H Ghana, Herbalife Company, Koforidua Central Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, the faculty successfully conducted a two-day community medical screening on KTU campus and Koforidua Jackson’s Park.
Over 500 patients were screened free of charge for blood pressure, HBSAg, syphilis, HIV, glaucoma, body fat, visceral fat and others.
Prof Momar Ndao received a citation of appreciation for donating laboratory equipment for the setting up of the faculty’s two teaching laboratories.
Nana Daniel Yaw Frimpong, the University’s Dean of Students, was also acknowledged for donating 200 stethoscopes, 100 digital thermometres and assorted syringes to support teaching and learning at the faculty.
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