Students of the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences (UCCSMS) have embarked on the 2012/2013 Community Based Experience and Service Programme (COBES) in five districts in the Central Region to assist in the delivery of quality health care to the people.
The students of level 500 spent three to six weeks in health facilities in the various districts as part of the programme. The identified districts for the 2012/2013 COBES programme were Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, Mfantsiman, Assin Central, Twifo Hemang Lower-Denkyira and Twifo-Ati Mokwa.
Speaking at a presentation of reports by the students, the Dean of SMS, Prof. Harold Amonoo-Kuofi commended the them for the enthusiasm they had shown in the programme stressing that “these communities are looking up to you for solutions to their health needs.” He therefore advised them to instill in them discipline and compassion since these virtues formed essential part of their profession.
The coordinator of COBES, Dr. Sebastian Eliason, noted that through the programme, students imbibe in them values that would refine them to live up to expectation at their various postings after school. He indicated that quality health care delivery was central to the training of medical doctors hence the exposure of the students to the health needs of the communities.
The programme offered the students the opportunity to identify and examine the health needs of the people with respect to the disease mapping procedures, socio-demographic and environmental factors affecting health, basic community entry strategies, social services and organisations which are involved in the health issues in the communities.
Apart from the district health centres, the students also worked at the Community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in the remotest areas of the district where they assist employees in conducting school health programmes at the basic schools. In addition, the students participated in weighing the school children, assessing their health status, their development and growth.
A photo exhibition was also mounted by the students to showcase the activities they engaged in during the programme.
Present at the presentation were lecturers of the SMS.
source: ucc.edu.gh
