Sheikh Saud opens scientific programme and health exhibition at RAK MHSU

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who is also the Chancellor of RAK MHSU, said that the University would soon become a premier medical institution offering training in all branches of medical sciences.

He said that RAK MHSU forms an integral part of RAK Government's vision to focus on human resources development as a key to achieve sustainable progress. "We believe that knowledge is the gateway to bring development to the Emirate and RAK MHSU will soon become a flagship institution offering a full spectrum of courses in all branches of medical sciences, "he said.

The RAK Medical and Health Sciences University which started operations in October 2006 with its first batch of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students has plans to commence Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) and BSc. Nursing programmes from September 2007, after obtaining Initial Accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.

Dr. S Gurumadhva Rao, Vice Chancellor of RAK MHSU, said that the programme Genesis- which involves a series of scientific presentations, discussions and an health exhibition, is being organised to spread awareness about the latest advancements in the field of genetics and the importance of gene therapy in modern day medicine, apart from providing an opportunity to the students to hone their leadership and organizational skills.

"We are planning to start the BDS, B. Pharm and BSc. Nursing courses in September 2007 after receiving the Initial Accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research," he said and added that a team from the Commission for Academic Accreditation had visited the campus recently with regard to that. The Vice Chancellor said that there would be 50 seats for BDS, 50 for BSc. Nursing and 40 seats for the B. Pharm course. He said that RAK MHSU would move to its permanent campus in September 2008.

Dr. Gurumadhva Rao said that RAK MHSU was driven by its vision to become the most successful medical institution in the UAE and the entire region and said that the University is taking part in educational fairs in Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, Qatar, Malasia and other countries to showcase its medical programmes and facilities to the student community.

More than 150 students from various schools and colleges in RAK attended the various sessions of Genesis and visited the health exhibition which showcased the latest developments in the field of Genetics, including presentations on developments in Gene Therapy, Cloning, Stem Cell Therapy, Genetically Modified Foods, among others including a stall featuring various health check- ups.