By Aggrey Baba
In a situation where “a stitch in time saves nine,” Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) is on the brink of a crisis.
The university’s medical school faces a potential shutdown due to deteriorating infrastructure and subpar facilities that are failing to meet national standards for medical training.
Last week, an inspection by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, in collaboration with the Uganda National Council for Higher Education, raised serious concerns about the state of the medical school.
Dr. Ayub Twaha, Vice-Chairperson of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, expressed his dismay, stating that the university seems to have been neglected since its inception in 1989. The facilities, some dating back to the 1940s when the institution began as a nursing school, are described as “forgotten” and unsuitable for the modern demands of medical education.
“The buildings that house the medical school are far from what is required for the training of doctors. They are old and dilapidated, which compromises the quality of education and the motivation of both students and staff,” Dr. Twaha remarked.
He further criticized the absence of essential laboratories, such as those for physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry, which are crucial for students’ learning during their initial years of study.
The university suffers from a critical shortage of qualified staff, with many heads of departments acting in temporary positions. This undermines the academic leadership essential for effective training.
Another pressing concern was the outdated curriculum, which is set to expire soon. The university has yet to make significant revisions to the curriculum to reflect the latest developments in medical science and practice.
There are also reports that the medical school lacks reliable internet access, further hindering students’ ability to research and access critical resources.
Students, too, are feeling the strain. Many have voiced frustration over the lack of practical experience and the outdated resources available to them.
As regulators, the council has made it clear that they will not hesitate to shut down the medical school if these issues are not addressed. The situation has left students and faculty in a state of uncertainty, wondering whether their academic futures are at risk.
According to journalist, Adolf Ayoreka, Dr. Pauline Byakika, the Vice-Chancellor of MUST, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of the challenges, and we are committed to resolving them. However, we need support from higher authorities to make the necessary improvements,” she stated. She also assured that efforts to revise the curriculum and address infrastructure issues would be prioritized.
Without swift intervention, the once-promising medical school may be forced to close its doors, leaving students and staff grappling with the consequences of a neglected institution.
As the saying goes, [a broken pot can’t hold water], and unless urgent action is taken, the medical school’s future looks uncertain.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
