BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill campus and the University of Ghana are now delivering a joint medical degree programme designed to train doctors who will be accredited to practise in either country.

This was disclosed by the principal of UWI Cave Hill campus, Professor Clive Landis as he addressed Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Wednesday during a forum themed “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect. Rebuild. Renew.”

The principal said the programme allows students to complete three years of preclinical studies at Cave Hill, followed by three years of clinical training in Ghana.

Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in Preclinical Sciences from UWI and an MBChB from the University of Ghana.

“The medical degree is fully accredited by the respective accreditation bodies of Barbados and Ghana and the medical and dental councils of both countries, allowing graduates to practise medicine in either country,” Landis said.

He noted that the programme addresses training needs in both systems, pointing out that Barbados has excess preclinical capacity while Ghana has excess clinical capacity. Two Ghanaian students currently enrolled in the programme were recognised during the event as the first cohort.

Landis said the asantehene’s presence on campus would help raise the programme’s profile in Ghana.

“Your royal presence here today will help raise awareness in Ghana of this unique joint medical degree programme which we are so proud to have developed with the University of Ghana,” he added.

During Wednesday’s visit, the asantehene also unveiled a portrait in his honour at the administration building, which is informally known as “The Golden Stool”.

The forum formed part of the asantehene’s historic visit to Barbados for the GUBA Awards and Investment Conference.