As part of an orientation programme and yearly ritual, fresh medical students of Family Health University College have paid an official familiarisation visit to Teshie Mantse, Nii Ashitey Akromfra III

The students also visited the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in Accra.

The students, together with the Registrar of Family Health University College Medical School, Mrs Rita Kaine and other staff were welcomed into the palace by the Chief and his elders and were briefed about the history of Teshie.

The Chief and his kinsmen narrated that the community started as a small fishing community in 1916 but has grown to be a large community, reaching Municipal status.

The elders disclosed that they were compelled to give out the land to Prof. Kwawukume to establish a school because of the relevance of education and healthcare to the community.

They have not had any regrets because both institutions have been a blessing to the community.

Teshie Mantse and his elders commended Prof. Kwawukume, Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital, Dr Bridget Susu and the entire management for diligently serving the community.

The students were however advised to take good care of themselves and concentrate on their books in order to become a blessing to their parents and the nation at large.

The Registrar of the school, Mrs Rita Kaine, while expressing her gratitude to the Chief and his kinsmen, pledged on behalf of management and students their commitment to always support the community whenever there is a challenge.

During their visit to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the students were taken through the various courses offered at the Centre and female students were challenged to take up courses in the Information Technology field.

Meanwhile, management of Family Health Medical School, by its president, Prof. E. Y. Kwawukume, as part of its social responsibilities, has taken measures to launch an Endowment Fund next year in March to provide financial support for the needy who desire to become medical expects, across the country.

The President revealed that the Fund shall constitute gifts, grants, donations, and bequests, as may be given by a corporate body, a group of people, or an individual.

Any person may contribute, or devise money, or other personal, or real property to the Fund; and to ensure its success, contributions towards the Fund shall be administered and managed by a Board of Trustees.

The long-term benefits of the Endowment Fund will ensure the continued support of a diverse group of students from low-income backgrounds within the country; help to make medical training accessible to more Ghanaian students; and increase the doctor-patient ratio in the nation to an acceptable level.

The beneficiaries of the fund will include students who on the inception of the medical programme, were capable of paying their fees, but due to sudden challenges such as, the demise or poor health of their main sponsor, etc. are incapable of paying the remaining fee.

In another development, all is set for Family Health Hospital to introduce Dialysis Machine to filter a patient's blood to remove excess water and waste products when the kidneys are damaged, dysfunctional, or missing.

Family Health University College comprises a Medical School, and Nursing and Midwifery School. It also has a general and a specialist hospital, supporting the schools, on the same campus.

Family Health Medical School is Ghana’s premier private medical school with a hospital, modern facilities, spacious laboratories and lecture halls.

Family Health Medical School is affiliated to the University of Ghana and accredited by both the National Accreditation Board (NAB) and the Medical & Dental Council (MDC).

The school offers a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) programme for WASSCE and ‘A’ Level candidates, and a four and a half-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) programme (Graduate Entry Medical Programme) for first degree holders in science-related disciplines.

The school has students from Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, the United States of America, Britain, Canada, and Pakistan.