The School of Medical Science (SMS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has taken possession of a clinical skills laboratory, the first of its kind in West Africa. The construction of the facility, which consist of suites of rooms fitted with hospital wards and communications training skills, was financed by Maersk Ghana Limited, a foreign shipping company, which contributed GH¢127,379.32, with government and other organisations providing the rest of the GHc.234,554.6. It is to prepare students of the Medical School for their clinical work by providing them with opportunities to learn and practice skills in history-taking, physical examination and some basic data interpretation and practical procedures. The Dean of the SMS, Professor Harold Amonoo Kwofie, described the laboratory as “historic” because it was the first of its kind not only in Ghana but also in West Africa and it would produce excellent doctors and health personnel who would effect a change in health administration. He said formerly, clinical skills training done on ad hoc basis was inadequate and left a vacuum as far as newly trained personnel were concerned. The school was opened in January and has 31 students at level 100 and 14 at level 200. Prof Kwofie said the establishment of the laboratory would enrich the training of health care personnel since it would provide them with confidence and competence to interact with patients to enable them provide excellent service to their clients. He said it was imperative for the students to be given communication skills, an essential component of clinical skills needed by the new breed of medical personnel for excellent performance and that the suites would be equipped with computerized equipment. The Managing Director of Maersk Ghana Limited, Mr Jeff Gosciniak, who handed over the building, said his company was committed to education and human resource development. The company has sponsored some Ghanaian graduates for further studies abroad and they are now serving in top positions in the country. He said the company’s training programme had proved that Ghana does not lack the talent and human resources. Mr Gosciniak appealed to the university authorities to rise to the challenge of producing professionals who will excel in their fields. The Vice-Chancellor of the UCC, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng, said the school would become a centre of excellence and urged the students to avail themselves of the opportunities being offered and pass out with distinction. Source: GNA