The Medical and Dental Council has welcomed 72 new practitioners into its ranks, hailing from esteemed institutions like the University of Ghana Dental School, Accra, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences Dental School, among others.
Draped in their white overcoats and solemnly placing their right hands on their chests, the inductees solemnly recited the physician’s oath.
With this oath, they pledged unwavering commitment to serving humanity and prioritizing the health and well-being of their patients, while upholding the sanctity of human life.
Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, the Registrar of the council, emphasized the weighty responsibility now bestowed upon the inductees.
He stressed the transition from the role of students, under the guidance of teachers, to that of practitioners, directly responsible for the lives entrusted to them.
The registrar emphasized the pivotal role of these practitioners, entrusted with the power to make decisions that can literally be matters of life or death.
He assured the council’s dedication to maintaining unparalleled healthcare standards in the country.
Reflecting on the gravity of their new titles, Prof. Dr. Ernest Yorke, speaking on behalf of the Board Chair of the MDC, Prof. Paul Kwame Nyame, urged the inductees to deeply consider the solemn responsibilities accompanying their profession.
He underscored the importance of empathy, humanity, and a profound sense of duty in their interactions with patients.
Prof. Nyame reminded the new doctors of the foundational principles of their profession, stressing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and advocating for treating patients with dignity, respect, and compassion. He encouraged them to empower patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, reiterated the significance of the knowledge, skills, and competencies possessed by the new practitioners.
He highlighted the imperative to address challenges such as professional negligence and unethical behavior in the healthcare sector, outlining collaborative efforts between the MDC and the Ministry of Health to elevate standards and foster a healthier, more equitable society.