Approval has been given to Fiji's new university to set up a medical school.
As reported on Fijilive.com, Fiji's cabinet has approved the request by the University of Fiji to set up a new medical school at its Lautoka campus following a submission by Acting Health Minister, Poseci Bune.The University of Fiji was established in 2005, becoming Fiji's second university after the University of the South Pacific (USP), which is situated in Fiji's capital, Suva, and owned by 12 countries in the region, including Fiji.
The University of Fiji had announced plans in March of establishing the medical school, Umanand Prasad School of Medicine (UPSM). The University has worked with consultants from within Fiji and Australia to develop a curriculum, which will be offered at three levels: Certificate in Medical Science, Bachelor in Medical Science and Bachelor in Medicine including Surgery.
The new medical school will be a second for Fiji, which is already home to the Fiji School of Medicine (FSM), established in 1885.
According to Mr. Bune, UPSM will work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure Fiji's manpower needs for doctors are met and complement FSM in providing training for health workers, particularly doctors, for Fiji and the region.