New Bachelor of Medical Health Science Programme Now Offered
Students who may wish to pursue a career in Health, can now do so through the University of Fiji’s new Bachelor of Medical Health Science (BMHS) programme.
University of Fiji created this alternative pathway as a foundation for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) which is a 4-year Medical Degree.
Head of Department & Senior Lecturer for the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, Dr Samuela Korovou said the programme is taught at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM &HS).
“The BMHS programme is designed to address the impact of COVID-19 Pandemic, the saturation of Doctors (MBBS graduates) in Fiji, the impact of TELS on the MBBS programme and to provide a platform for those passionate about medicine and health science,” University of Fiji stated.
Currently the course is online with a class on face to face in the Unihouse at Marine Drive.
There will be face to face classes at the University’s Ba Campus.
University of Fiji further stated the BMHS programme was recorded and recognised through the Fiji Higher Education Fiji Qualification Framework.
The University is working towards international accreditation.
“The BMHS programme will contribute to the standard of competencies for the employment of
Allied Health workers apart from its contribution to the pathways for those who want to pursue further studies in the medical professions.” While the health sector carries on with its operations from the impact of the pandemic, the career market in Health has changed.
The University said the focus is now on universal health coverage where the emphasis is on a strong
Public Health foundation addressing Wellness across the lifespan, primary health care, disease prevention (Pandemics and Resurgence of Neglected Tropical Diseases) and controlling disease outbreak.
“There is a need for reorientation of Health Services to address the unresolved crisis of NCD in Fiji and the Pacific.
“There also a shift towards integrating into complementary medicine for example in teaching and ancillary health work.”
The BMHS programme also focuses on the following:
■E■ha■ci■g student’s qualifications for potential entry into medical, dentistry, nursing, public health, and other related Allied Health Care Programmes.
■E■richi■g student’s qualifications and experiences.
■E■ha■ci■g students’ competitiveness for entry into other professional programmes, particularly medicine and other qualifications.
■I■creasi■g students’ academic knowledge base as well as strengthen a prospective medical student’s credentials for admission into medical school.
The following careers can be pursued by a BMHS graduate:
■Radio●ogy
■Hea●th and Medical Research Officers
■Pub●ic Health Officers
■Paramedics and Ambulance/emergency first responders
■Pharmacy Assistants
■Emerge■cy Services
■A■ entry point for Doctor of Medicine’(MD) or Masters Degree.
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