Fifty fresh medical students of Family Health University (FHU) have been charged to champion the cause of Health-for-All and commit themselves to excellence, integrity and compassionate service as they were formally admitted into the University at a Matriculation and White Coat Ceremony.

The charge is intended to shape the students’ professional outlook and inspire them to become transformative leaders in healthcare delivery and advocates for quality healthcare.

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2026, on the theme, “Pursuing Health-for-All Through Transformative Health Professionals’ Education and Training,” the Vice Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor E. Y. Kwawukume, also charged the students to see themselves as drivers of transformation in the healthcare system.

“As future physicians, you will be entrusted with lives, confidences and hopes, which you will be expected to bear throughout your career beyond your academic achievements. Ask critical questions, embrace research, innovation and engage communities in humility. Above all, remember that every patient you will meet is first a human being who deserves dignity and compassion.”, he advised.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Founder of FHU and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital, Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume; the Chairman of FHU Governing Council, Brig. Gen. Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong, (Rtd.); the President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and CEO of Kinapharma, Dr. (Pharm) Kofi Nsiah-Poku, Founder of the Weija Leprosarium, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbelland the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Philip Odonko.

Others were, the Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong; the Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Patience Aniteye; the Medical Coordinator at Family Health Hospital, Dr. Rebecca Acquaah-Arhin, and the Registrar, Mrs Rita Kaine, among other heads of departments, faculty members, staff, parents and guardians.

Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor said that, Health-for-All remained a global imperative, as millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, still lack access to basic quality healthcare despite advances in medicine and technology.

“These realities challenge us to rethink how we educate and train health professionals for the benefit of the general society.”, he stated. Subsequently, he said achieving Health-for-All begins with transformative education.

“At Family Health University, we believe that achieving Health-for-All begins with transformative education. This means training health professionals who are not only clinically competent, but also socially responsive, ethically grounded, technologically proficient and community-oriented,” he explained.                                                                                                                                                                    

Prof. Kwawukume added that the university is deliberate in producing graduates who can work across disciplines, adapt to rapidly changing health systems, and respond effectively to both local and global health challenges.

Touching on the Matriculation Oath, the Vice Chancellor, explained that by taking the oath, the students affirm their willingness to be shaped intellectually, ethically and professionally for the sacred duty of preserving life and promoting health.

Addressing the ceremony, the Guest Speaker, Dr. (Pharm) Kofi Nsiah-Poku, urged the newly admitted medical students to recognise the vital role they are preparing to play in national development.

 “You are entering a profession that sits at the heart of national development. Healthcare is not just a service; it is a pillar of productivity, security and dignity,” he said. He emphasised the importance of strengthening local capacity in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stressing that Ghana’s advancement depends on resilient health systems driven by skilled professionals.

“Our country must continue building capacity in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production and clinical services. As future medical professionals, you must contribute to strengthening these systems and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible and affordable to all,” he stated.

Dr. Nsiah-Poku further encouraged the students to embrace innovation and research from the onset of their training.

On his part, the Dean of the School of Medicine at Family Health University, Dr. Sylvester Y. Oppong reminded the students that the years ahead would be demanding but rewarding.

“There will be long nights and moments of uncertainty, but there will also be the gratitude of a patient and the relief of a family,” he said.

He encouraged them to wear their white coats with humility and a deep sense of responsibility, emphasising that medicine is not simply a career, it is a calling.

Ms. Addo-Listowell, a matriculant, on behalf of her classmates, expressed her sincere appreciation to the Management, faculty, and staff, as well as to parents and guardians, for their unwavering support throughout their medical professional training.