Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), has urgently appealed to the Ghanaian government for increased financial and infrastructural support. The appeal, made during the university’s 10th Congregation ceremony in Ho on Friday, aims to address critical challenges posed by rapid student enrollment growth and a significant staff shortage, hindering the institution’s capacity to expand its offerings and meet evolving healthcare demands.
Context of UHAS Growth and Challenges
Established in 2012 with an initial cohort of 154 students, UHAS has experienced substantial expansion over the past decade. It now offers a comprehensive range of 23 undergraduate and 25 postgraduate programmes. This growth, while a testament to its success, has outpaced the university’s existing infrastructure and human resource capacity. The institution’s appeal highlights a widening gap between its aspirations and its current operational capabilities.
Expanding Horizons and Emerging Programs
UHAS is strategically positioning itself to address future healthcare needs by preparing to introduce several new academic programmes. These are slated to commence from the 2026 and 2027 academic years. The proposed courses aim to bolster healthcare education and research, reflecting emerging trends in medicine and technology. Among the planned offerings are advanced degrees in Health Data Science, Chemical Biology, Medical Anthropology, Dietetics and Nutrition, Sonography, Optometry, Environmental and Occupational Health, Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes, and Nursing Leadership and Management.
Professor Aziato emphasized the critical importance of Health Data Science in today’s AI-driven world. She stated that this field will empower health professionals to leverage data for disease prediction, modeling, and diagnostic support, thereby enhancing patient care and public health outcomes.
Strain on Infrastructure and Admissions
The university’s rapid growth is evident in its application numbers. For the 2024/2025 academic year alone, UHAS received an overwhelming 14,430 applications. However, due to severe limitations in infrastructure and resources, the university could only admit 2,021 regular students. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for government intervention to expand facilities and accommodate a larger student body.
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