The Ghana College of Physicians & Surgeons (GCPS) has inaugurated an Electronic Library (E-Library) and a Fellows Lounge for members of the college.

While the e-library will enhance medical learning and research, the lounge is to foster collaboration, networking and professional development of medical practitioners.

The project, which took about five months to complete, was to enhance postgraduate medical training and the continuous professional development of members.

Named after the first Rector of the college, Prof. Paul K. Nyame, the library, among other things, has an electronic database that grants physicians and fellows access to cutting-edge medical research journals and resources from around the globe.

It is also a repository where residents can access dissertations to help with research and some features such as virtual lectures.

The Fellows Lounge, also named in honour of a past Rector of the college, the late Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule, who was rector from 2016-2020, provides a comfortable space designed to encourage networking, mentorship, knowledge-sharing and intellectual discourse among members.

The facility boasts modern amenities, including high-speed internet, plush seating and private meeting rooms, making it an ideal space for both leisure and business activities.

The library, also a knowledge hub, has designated group study areas, facilities for team discussions and virtual learning spaces. It again houses a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centre.

Objective

The Project Sponsor, Dr Ernest Kwarko, expressed delight in the completion of the two facilities.

“This is a dream come true. I trained here and obtained my fellowship here, but during our time, we didn’t have modern facilities. We really struggled to access learning materials. So, when I heard the college needed partners to refurbish the library, I had no hesitation in offering my support,” he added.

He acknowledged the contributions of both past rectors to the development of the school, saying: “We are grateful to the two individuals because Prof. Nyame played a key role in ensuring the institution’s survival and growth and the late Rector Prof. Plange-Rhule always encouraged and believed in the principle of relaxing after working so hard”.

Dr Kwarko, therefore, urged trainees to take advantage of the library to improve their studies, research and collaborative learning.

Appreciation

Prof. Nyame, who graced the occasion, expressed his appreciation for the recognition of his contributions, saying: “It is easy to be forgotten, but seeing this renewed facility reminds me that some people still remember our efforts. That is fulfilling.”

He commended the new management of the college who had not only maintained it but ensured its expansion as it had trained medical professionals from across Africa, including Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Ethiopia and Namibia, and had even been consulted for the establish of medical training programmes in Sierra Leone.

Prof. Nyame urged young medical professionals to commit to lifelong learning, emphasising that “In medicine, you never stop learning. Always aim higher, continue your education, and strive for excellence.”