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editorial
We Hail the Medical Board's Action
The Inquirer (Monrovia)
EDITORIAL
March 30, 2005
Posted to the web March 30, 2005
Monrovia
SOMETIME AGO, THIS paper reported about a so-called medical school named and styled "the St. Luke School of Medicine", said to be located in Gaye Town, Oldroad Sinkor. The situation about the existence of that school came to the fore when some individuals in India sought information about the real existence of the school, which had offered "Doctor of Medicine" degrees to many persons.
THE SITUATION ABOUT the existence of another medical school in addition to the A.M Dogliotti College of Medicine of the University of Liberia generated much reaction from the medical community as many said the school was fake and does not exist. Even though Health Minister Dr.
Peter Coleman said the school was created by an Act of the national legislature during the Charles Taylor regime, it is yet to establish a campus, but has reportedly offered degrees.
INTERESTINGLY, THE REPORT of the existence of the school led members of the House Standing Committee on Health, headed by Dr. Mohammed Sheriff, to pay a visit to the so-called campus of the school. However, the committee upon visiting what was said to be the campus expressed disappointment and said the structure does not represent a medical college.
AS THE SITUATION surrounding the existence of the school continues, the Liberia Medical Board (LMB) yesterday expressed similar disappointment and displeasure over the existence of the school. The board revealed that it has denied licenses to about 19 individuals claiming to be medical doctors from the so-called "St. Luke Medical School." The LMB's Secretary General, Dr. S. Benson Barh said the 19 doctors in question reportedly completed their course of study at the much talked about St. Luke Medical School for the degrees of Doctor of Medicine (MD).
DR. BARH, WHO is also Deputy Minister of Health & Social Welfare and Liberia's Chief Medical Officer, said the LMB in its meeting of February 12,2004, received from its secretariat, documents of the 19 doctors for licensure by Dr. Meimei Dukuly, on behalf of the St. Luke Medical School.
IN ADDITION, HE said LMB was greatly angered by this bold and shameless act, which he noted, is considered as an insult to the integrity and professionalism of the Liberia Medical Board and wondered how can the Board license graduates of a "St Luke Medical School" when she has no knowledge about such a school's operations in the country.
SINCE WE BEGAN hearing reports about the school, we equally expressed similar concern and questioned the method of accreditation of said institution. Accordingly, we called on the authority to review the process of accreditation that the "St. Luke School" used to gain recognition from recognized medical institutions and related institutions.
HOW-BE-IT, we are happy over the action taken by the medical board and hope that others will emulate the good example of the board.
FOR US, THE move is necessary to avoid compromising the health of the people for selfish reasons. Whatever the situation, we still insist on an investigation into circumstances surrounding the accreditation of the school without a campus and a teaching staff. This should not be applied to the medical arena but other higher institutions of learning.
ONCE AGAIN, WE hail the medical board for this action. BRAVO!!!
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