The College of Health Sciences (CHS) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched an Endowment Fund with a target of raising $10 million over the next five years.

The Fund's objectives include improving the training of skilled health professionals, advancing research on local diseases, providing scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate studies, and acquiring essential equipment.

Moreover, it aims to create opportunities to retain health science graduates, addressing some of the developmental challenges in the country's health sector.

During a media briefing, Professor Daniel Ansong, Chairman of the Endowment Fund Board, spoke on behalf of Prof. Christian Agyare, the Provost of the College.

He noted that while the number of applicants for health programs has been rising each year, the number of admissions remains limited. Many qualified applicants are turned away, and some of those who are admitted often opt for other institutions or programs.

The Dean also pointed out that insufficient infrastructure is a significant barrier to expanding the training of health professionals.

“As a nation with a very high health worker-to-patient ratio, one will have thought that more health personnel would be trained to augment the shortfalls that have existed over the years,” he explained.

He highlighted the need to expand facilities to admit more students, citing the completion of the Boadi Medical Village as a key factor in boosting admissions.

The Dean also voiced concerns over the growing dependence on fee-paying students, which leaves many qualified candidates unable to pursue healthcare education due to financial barriers.

He underscored the importance of resolving this issue to ensure that healthcare training is based on merit rather than financial capability.

“We need to come out of this, that is why we are calling on all stakeholders, corporate Ghana, alumni, and parents to support this Endowment Fund established by the college,” he rallied.

The CHS comprises seven schools or faculties, including the KNUST School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and School of Dentistry.

In addition, the College hosts research institutions such as the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Medicine and the German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention.

Maxwell Opoku Agyemang, Co-Chair of the Advisory Board, stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of the Fund to drive the College's growth.

He urged stakeholders, including corporate entities, alumni, and parents, to contribute to the Endowment Fund to support the training of more health professionals.