The event was graced by Khalid Musa, the Chargé d'Affaires at the Sudanese Embassy in Rwanda.
Speaking at the inaugural event to welcome the new students, Dr. Rose Mukankomeje the Executive Director of the High Education Council (HEC) emphasized the importance of education and health for Rwanda's development.
"Education and health are very key for us as a country and we thank the government's support in expanding higher education institutions in the medical field,' she explained
'We need more such institutions, but the quality is paramount,' she added, stressing the goal of improving medical services within Rwanda to reduce reliance on foreign healthcare.
She said that Rwanda's reputation for beauty, security, and cleanliness is not enough. The country is constantly striving to transform into hub for knowledge and welcoming new students like these is a good step in the right direction.
"Health goes hand in hand with wealth to produce better results in terms of development. I welcome you to feel at home here in Rwanda kindly remember to work hard. Work until it hurts and work until it heals," she told the new students.
She encouraged them to prepare for life beyond school, emphasizing the importance of discipline and forward planning for the future.
Today, Rwanda has four medical training schools including the University of Rwanda College of Medicine, School of Medicine at the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), Africa Health Sciences University based at King Faisal Hospital and UMST.
On her part, Dr. Suzan Homeida, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Board of Trustees, implored the students to understand that impacts of joining a university that is deeply committed to excellence in education and healthcare.
'Medicine is a noble profession that requires hard work, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. In the coming years, you will grow, learn, and develop the skills needed to make a real difference in people's lives. We are here to guide and support you on this journey,' she said
She advised to embrace Rwanda's rich culture and history saying it is a place that values unity, progress, and resilienceâ€"qualities that should inspire the students during their time of studies.
Homeida reminded the students that the path they have chosen is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.
'The University's dedicated teachers and staff are her to provide you with the best education possible, and to help you become the best healthcare professionals you can be. We believe in your potential to not only succeed but also to contribute to the betterment of healthcare in your communities and beyond,' she said.
Dr. Africa Gasana, the Chairperson of Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC) says that a moment to receive new medical students at UMST is a milestone not just for the students but the entire healthcare sector in Rwanda.
'We recognize that training and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is a responsibility of immense importance as it addresses the growing need for skilled, dedicated and ethical medical practitioners in Rwanda,' he pointed out.
He tasked the new students with the unique responsibility to set a high standard for those who will follow after receiving the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to navigate the complexities of healthcare.
'One of the most important lessons you will learn throughout your journey is the value of interprofessional collaboration. Healthcare is a team effort that involves working closely with other professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients,' he said.
UMST was established in Sudan's capital Khartoum in 1996 with a main campus comprising two Faculties namely, Medicine and Medical Laboratory Technology.
From 2 faculties and 60 students, it grew over the years and in 2021 it had 17 faculties and over 7000 students, and more than 27 postgraduate degrees in both medical disciplines and humanities.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/umst-receives-new-30th-cohort-students
