Where is uhas located

Overview

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) is a public university located in Ho, the capital city of Ghana’s Volta Region. Established to improve healthcare delivery through education and research, UHAS plays a pivotal role in training medical and health professionals for Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Since its inception, the university has expanded rapidly in infrastructure, academic programs, and student enrollment. It operates under the Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

• Main Campus Location: The primary campus is situated in the eastern outskirts of Ho, approximately 5 kilometers from the central business district, providing a serene academic environment away from urban congestion.
• Regional Significance: UHAS is the first university in Ghana dedicated exclusively to health sciences, including medicine, nursing, public health, and pharmacy.
• Founding Legislation: It was established in 2012 under Act 842 passed by the Parliament of Ghana, marking a strategic investment in national healthcare capacity.
• Land Area: The main campus occupies over 120 hectares of land, with plans for future expansion to accommodate growing academic and research needs.
• Branch Campuses: In addition to Ho, UHAS operates satellite campuses in Ho Teaching Hospital, Koforidua, and Hohoe for clinical training and specialized programs.

How It Works

UHAS operates through a decentralized academic structure with multiple schools and institutes, each focusing on a specific health discipline. The university emphasizes community-based education, research, and service delivery.

• School of Medicine: Offers a 6-year MBChB program and was among the first faculties established. It admits approximately 120 students annually and is accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana.
• School of Nursing and Midwifery: Provides diploma and degree programs with over 400 students enrolled as of 2023, focusing on maternal and child health.
• School of Public Health: Launched in 2014, it offers MPH and BSc programs with research centers in epidemiology and health policy.
• Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine: Established in 2017, it integrates indigenous healing practices into formal medical education.
• Faculty of Allied Health Sciences: Includes programs in medical laboratory science, radiography, and nutrition, with modern labs and simulation centers.
• Community Engagement: Students complete mandatory field attachments in rural clinics, ensuring hands-on experience in underserved areas.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of UHAS with other major health-focused universities in Ghana:

While UHAS has a smaller student population compared to older institutions, its specialized focus on health sciences allows for targeted training and research. Its newer infrastructure and community-based curriculum distinguish it from broader universities.

Why It Matters

UHAS addresses critical gaps in Ghana’s healthcare system by producing skilled professionals for underserved regions. Its location in Ho enhances access to quality health education in the less-developed eastern and northern parts of the country.

• Reduces Urban Bias: By being located outside Accra, UHAS encourages healthcare graduates to serve in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Improves Health Indicators: Graduates contribute to reducing maternal mortality and improving disease surveillance in the Volta and Oti regions.
• Research Output: UHAS researchers have published over 120 peer-reviewed articles since 2018 on tropical diseases and public health.
• International Partnerships: Collaborates with institutions in Germany, Canada, and the U.S. for faculty exchange and research grants.
• Government Support: Receives annual funding from the Ghanaian government to expand facilities and scholarships.
• Future Expansion: Plans include a teaching hospital and a research park to boost innovation in medical technology.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, UHAS remains a cornerstone in training the next generation of health leaders.