Media Release
Ajman, June 21: Gulf Medical University has signed an agreement with MAHSA University, Malaysia to jointly implement a twinning MBBS programme.
“This is the first ever twinning program for MBBS launched in the region. This initiative is a trendsetting feature in the region and we are proud to announce yet another unique programme from Gulf Medical University,” said Thumbay Moideen, founder president and chairman, Board of Governors of the University.
He added that the arrangement has received approval from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research UAE and Malaysian Medical Council.
With an annual intake of 50 students, the twinning program is intended to provide prospective students with a high quality pre-clinical education for the first two years at GMU Campus in Ajman-UAE, which leads to a seamless move to MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, to continue with a three year clinical training.
Prospective students will undergo the two years of pre-clinical phase at GMU leading to an ‘Associate Degree in Pre-Clinical Sciences’ followed by a three year clinical phase at MAHSA University Malaysia. Upon successful completion of the five year programme, the students will be awarded the MBBS degree by MAHSA University Malaysia.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
The Gulf Medical University will launch four new bachelor programs through its constituent College of Allied Health Sciences. The new programs are Bachelor of Health Sciences - Medical Laboratory Sciences (10 seats per year), Bachelor of Health Sciences - Medical Imaging Sciences (10 seats per year), Bachelor of Health Sciences - Anesthesia & Surgical Technology (10 seats per year) and Bachelor of Health Sciences - Nursing Sciences (10 seats per year). BHS in Anesthesia and Surgical Technology is introduced for the first time in the country. All these programs have received initial accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.
“We will continue to survey the market to develop more programmes to meet the needs not only of health professionals but also of health management and support workers and health science investigators in order to meet the health care needs of the nation and the region,” said Thumbay Moideen.
Bachelor of Health Sciences is a four year under graduate program that aims at developing health professionals competent to work in multi-disciplinary health care settings with skills specific to selected major, said professor Gita Ashok Raj, Provost Gulf Medical University. “These courses will help develop professionals to work in a team, which will help them in better understanding of each other’s specialty and thus promotes enhanced service delivery to the patient care in their career,” she said.
“Prospective students will have the advantage of pursuing a program that has a unique curriculum, supported by specialized and highly qualified teaching faculty. They will also have the benefit of learning in multi-disciplinary teams, assisted by modern teaching and training approaches. The students will be provided training in well-equipped laboratories and hospitals,” added Gita Ashok Raj.
“By introducing such new programs, the University aspires to provide a unique learning experience of high quality to its students and produce graduates whose competence will help them to make a significant contribution to the health of the community through pursuit of academia, research and health care. The institution is committed to promote student success, participation, diversity, collegiality, innovation and stewardship that reflect the beliefs and values of the Gulf Medical University. We are a learning community that values scholarship and creative thinking and we are uniquely poised to provide quality education to all our students,” she concluded.
The courses will begin from September 2014 and the admission process has begun at the university. With an annual intake of ten students in each program, the university has taken special precaution to ensure proper training and develop professional competencies.
GMU–MAHSA University Malaysia- MBBS twinning programme
The tie-up creates a synergy between two institutions whose objective is to offer world class medical education and produce high caliber medical professionals.
GMU will provide world class modern teaching and training during the two years of pre-clinical phase. Apart from the classroom teaching and practical training in laboratories, the students will be provided Clinical Skills Training in the Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare.
Professor Datuk Dr Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah, pro- chancellor and executive chairman said, “We are pleased to enter into an agreement with GMU to offer twinning program medicine. It will be a win-win situation both for GMU and MAHSA. We hope the relationship grows manifold in the years to come. I am sure that this is just a beginning and we are looking forward to expand our collaboration to many areas including establishment of hospitals.”
“This arrangement will hugely benefit prospective students as they will be taught in two world class universities. They will be exposed to various cultures and will have a distinct advantage of learning from experts of different countries. I am sure they will come out more confident and that is what we wish to see in the future doctors,” he added.
“Eventually we will look forward to initiating joint research activities. As of now both the institutions are in the infant stage. We have a long way to go in this regard,” he concluded.
“During the clinical phase at MAHSA University, students will be supported by highly qualified and experienced local and international faculty who are actively involved in research. Apart from state of the art laboratory facilities, the students will have the pride of getting clinical training with two of the best hospitals in the country namely Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Sungai Buloh,” said professor Manda Venkatramana.
“The programme will begin in September this year, for which the admissions have already begun. With an annual intake of 50, it is open for students from all nationalities,” concluded Manda Venkatramana.