Maldives National University (MNU) announces plans to hold the graduation of its first batch of medical school students on October 31.
The university's council granted permission to establish the School of Medicine in MNU in 2017, to facilitate medical education in the Maldives. The School of Medicine was created in 2019, with the first batch of students beginning their studies that same year. The curriculum aligns with that of the national university of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Classes for the School of Medicine are held on the second floor of Dharumavantha Hospital. However, the initial batch completed two modules at the Malaysian university until the medical setup of the School of Medicine were fully operational. Studies officially commenced in the Maldives in 2020.
Speaking to PSM News, Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Sheeza Ali stated that over 40 students applied to study medicine in the first batch. Of these, 22 started studies, with 21 completing the degree course in medicine, and passing with flying colours.
MNU notes that the graduation of the first batch of students completing medical school in the Maldives, represents a significant milestone in the nation's healthcare sector. After completing the five-year program, students must undertake an additional year of internship to become registered doctors with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council. The graduates are currently completing their internships at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Currently, a total of 222 students across seven batches are enrolled in the School of Medicine.