Accra, April 4, GNA - Mr. Samuel Okudzeto, Chairman of the Council of College of Health Sciences, on Saturday appealed to new doctors and dental surgeons to stay and serve the country under these trying conditions.

"In the face of the health challenges that confront our nation, it is my fervent hope that you will all stay and serve this country that has used its widow's mite to train you. Please do not take your brief cases and leave, Ghana needs you now more than ever".

Mr. Okudzeto said this at the 8th congregation of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana in Accra.

In all, 680 graduates were presented with PhD, MSc, MPH, MPhil, Bachelor of Science degrees and diplomas in health and the applied sciences.

Mr. Okudzeto said the college requires more funding to ensure that it is able to go on producing health professionals and to be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the health sector. He said the yet to be launched five-year strategic plan of the college will ensure that it puts resources, strengths and energies in their unique and specialized area to generate wealth internally. "If we are able to do this, then on our own we will be able to attract and retain the needed staff, enhance salaries, improve infrastructural facilities and acquire state-of-the-art equipment and teaching aids to facilitate teaching, learning, research and extension services."

Mr. Okudzeto said in this era of National Health Insurance, rampant road accidents, filthy and unhygienic surroundings, much was expected from the newly qualified medical personnel to justify the expenditure and confidence repose in them by the tax payer. Professor Aaron L. Lawson, Provost of the College, said the institution, since its inception had chalked many successes in its bid to produce highly qualified and competent professionals to meet the health needs of the country.

He congratulated the doctors for the hard work done and urged them not to forget to contribute positively to the development of the college and the university as a whole.

He appealed to them to readily accept postings to districts and rural communities where their services are needed most. Prof. Lawson also called for the support of corporate bodies to sponsor lecturers and specialists for further training in order to enhance teaching of the sciences

Professor Clifford N. B Tagoe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, appealed to government to make funds available to enable the University to complete its Teaching Hospital, School of Biomedical Sciences and School of Allied Health Sciences projects as well as the relocation of the college Central Administration and its constituent institutions at Korle Bu to the Legon Campus.

He commended the management and staff of the College for its achievement and advised the doctors to use their skills to ensure quality health care. 04 April 09