Experts have urged the Uganda National Council for Higher Education to strengthen accreditation processes and conduct regular reviews of medical courses to ensure the quality of health professionals meets the needs of Ugandans.
Speaking at a Health Professions Education (HPE) conference, Prof. Sarah Kiguli, a Pediatrician and lecturer at Makerere University, highlighted concerns about universities being accredited to offer medical courses without adequate infrastructure to support such programs.
Kiguli emphasized the importance of detailed training requirements, including small student numbers, well-equipped labs, and access to hospitals for hands-on experience. She pointed out that the current student-to-teacher ratio of 1:11 for pre-clinical medical schools and 1:7 for clinical students poses challenges due to insufficient teaching staff.
These discussions took place following a presentation by Dr. Eutychus Ngotho Gichuru, a researcher from Makerere University School of Education and External Studies, who assessed the accreditation processes and quality assurance of health training in Uganda.
Dr. Gichuru’s study revealed gaps in the accreditation process, even for courses already approved by the council, impacting Uganda’s potential for medical tourism. He also noted low public trust in health professionals and facilities, despite evidence of academic quality.
Dr. Gichuru recommended intensified content reviews in medical and nursing schools to incorporate emerging innovations promptly. He highlighted concerns about institutions not participating in mandatory reviews, with some going a decade without assessment.
Reflecting on the medical curriculum, Prof. Joel Okullo, Chairman of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, criticized its misalignment with the country’s needs. He recalled past recommendations from a delegation sent to Cuba to import doctors, emphasizing the importance of curative health promotion and preventive medicine. Prof. Okullo lamented the lack of curriculum updates and expressed concerns about exporting doctors as a solution to Uganda’s health challenges.
These insights underscore the urgent need for robust accreditation processes, regular curriculum reviews, and alignment of medical education with Uganda’s healthcare needs.