We had a chat with students from two batches of the Maldives first Medical School, and we noticed different experiences from the two sides.

Maldives National University appointed its first dean for the University’s School of Medicine on the October of 2018. Marking the first steps for medical students to get their MBBS in the Maldives. This endeavor not only was a massive burden off students who really did not want to spend 6 or more years of their lives away from home but also for students that were financially burdened as we all know a career in any field of medicine comes with massive student debt.

1st Batch

Dr. Fawaz, a representative from the School of Medicine stated that 37 students would start their studies within a week from the opening ceremony with a Malaysian syllabus from National University of Malaysia (UKM).

However, earlier this year it was reported that the University had 22 students studying. The students had done some modules in Malaysia before resuming in the Maldives by June. Even though the course costs MVR 123,000 per year, it is included in the government-initiated program to offer free undergraduate courses in the Maldives. Students from the initial batch reports a hardworking dean with responsive and responsible take on issues, twos stories allocated for the school with exclusive access, state of the art equipment and well-trained educators. In addition, student’s express gratitude for an array of improvements coming their way.

While the progress right now for the first batch is in full throttle, they too had to endure a tedious delay with many sacrifices in terms of opportunities. As one student put it “I left a very prestigious college to join MNUSM, I’m 100% honest when I say it was 100% worth it”.

While the initial impression of the medical school sounds full of hope there has been underlying issues that several students are now requesting answers for.

2nd batch

The main issue being the delay of over 4 months and counting without adequate information or reasoning from the University’s side for the second batch of students to be enrolled in the medical school.

One student informs us “There has been an awful delay in starting of the studies of the 2nd batch of the course (over 4 months). In addition, us students, have not been clearly informed about what is causing the delay or when the course would commence.”

The students have tried on multiple occasions to contact the authorities within the university. After multiple phone calls one of the students was informed, that the current situation of the government is different from back then. In addition, it was informed that the course is to be started this year. With such a vague reply from authority the students are in distress as time goes by without change.

It is estimated that 25 students are right now in delay and is demanding an answer from the University, The Medical School and the government. The reason for this outcry is as a student puts it “Lost a lot of chances that I got to go abroad to study MBBS because we were assured that we would be able to study MBBS here for free. Wasn't able to take part in any other short courses because we had no idea when they were going to call us. A whole year is passing by with a lot of us just sitting idle waiting for a call back.”

While the responses from both batches seem contradicting, it is crucial to consider both perspectives. A student getting to walk their path to their dream career and another passionate student waiting for the opportunity. While we do believe there have been hiccups and it is inevitable especially for such a new School we also urge the relevant authorities to do their upmost to cut down on the delays.

 

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