By Ebrahim Seid , Public and International Relations Directorate

College of Health and Medical Sciences conducted a PHD Curriculum review workshop in Medical Microbiology on May 12, 2015 at the School of Graduate Studies training hall, Harar campus.

The workshop was attended by invited guests from Haramaya University’s different colleges and institutions. Representative of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Muktar Mohammed, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the committee members who are working on the development of this curriculum through investing their precious time. He also thanked the external reviewers for their instrumental comments they made to enrich the curriculum.

According to Desalegn Ayana, dean of College of Health and Medical Sciences, huge gap was figured out during the need assessment to open this PhD program in microbiology. Currently, our government is aggressively working in the health sector especially in opening new medical schools all over the country, he said. However, due to the limited numbers of experts and man power shortage in the sector our College has taken the initiative to start this program to bridge the gap in this regard, Desalegn added. He also feels that it is the right time to launch this PhD program.

Mr. Desalegn told HU Online that the availability of necessary facilities like the Central Laboratory in Haramaya University as well as a very strong linkage and partnership with Ministry of Health and other stakeholders will have a significant contribution for the successfulness of the program.

HU Online learnt that the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology started 16 years ago with a very few staff. The department so far graduated many experts and played a key role in producing skilled man power in the sector.

The college has started PhD programs in public health jointly with Addis Continental Institutions. Now is fully running the programs by its own staff and resources.

In a day long workshop, a series of reflections and discussions were made by the participants. The external reviewers who came from Addis Ababa and Gondar universities also expressed their views and concerns to develop up to standard curriculum. New PhD candidates will expected to be admitted in the coming September following the approval of the curriculum by the university senate.