CONSENSUS MEETING TOWARDS THE HARMONISATION OF CURRICULA OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCHOOLS IN GHANA HELD ON TUESDAY, 12TH AND WEDNESDAY, 13TH MARCH, 2024 AT THE ALISA HOTEL, NORTH RIDGE, ACCRA
In light of the evolving landscape of healthcare, in respect of emerging diseases in particular infectious diseases causing pandemics and non-communicable diseases and national disasters, the one health concept, use of technology (especially artificial intelligence) in training and practice of medicine and dentistry, the global shortage of health workforce, trans-border migration of healthcare professionals for higher education and greener pastures, and a well-educated and empowered population with increased focused on respect of human rights and dignity within democracies, there is a recognised imperative to continually evaluate and re-imagine medical and dental training and practice in the country.
These changes demand physicians with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are responsive to the changing needs of society and meet the public expectations of people-centered quality and safe care.
It is the mandate of the Medical and Dental Council to secure in the public interest the highest standards in the training and practice of medicine and dentistry in Ghana.
Pursuant to this object, the Medical and Dental Council, in partnership with esteemed institutions such as the School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and the University of Ghana Medical and Dental Schools, with funding support from the International Science Partnership Fund, University of Manchester, has embarked on a pivotal initiative. This initiative aims to benchmark the curricula of medical and dental training schools in Ghana against international standards, fostering a more glocalised (local quality, global standard) curriculum that is both globally relevant and locally responsive.
Of particular significance is the project’s goal to establish competency-based education hubs within both public and private medical and dental schools in Ghana to quality-assure the delivery of healthcare services, not only within Ghana but also beyond its borders.
A critical milestone in this journey was the Consensus Workshop/Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders including deans, senior consultants, experts in medical education and training, and the regulator at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge.
Together, we embarked on the journey to identify the competencies expected of graduates and practitioners, laying the groundwork for future projects aimed at boosting medical and dental education and training in Ghana.
Through these concerted efforts, Ghana is poised to produce physicians equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of her populace.
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