AYV News May 15, 2023
First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s Ultra-Modern American International University Medical College construction starts today Monday at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will be turning the sod this morning for the construction the Medical University.
The multi-million dollars Medical University, when eventually completed and functional, will be of World Class standards; with its students fully prepared to be recognised by the United States Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Students in Sierra Leone will eventually be able to study right here for their USMLE by the ECFMG and they no longer need to go enroll at colleges like Kaplan to study in America.
The same quality American Medical Training is now coming to meet them in Sierra Leone.
Women’s Advocate and former Gender Minister, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden said: “Yet another reason why I am a very proud Sister of Her Excellency First Lady Fatima Maada Bio is this her latest achievement to singlehandedly, with the support of her beloved husband, bring in a new multi-million dollars Investment into the field of Medical Education for our country, Sierra Leone.
“H.E. Fatima Bio is to be equated to only the likes of Professor Dr. Kosonike Koso-Thomas who helped President Dr. Siaka Stevens and President Dr. J.S. Momoh, under hard struggles, to build Sierra Leone’s first Medical College (where I got my own two medical degrees).
“Like Prof. Kosonike Koso-Thomas helped those Presidents, H.E. Fatima has now helped H.E. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in securing a second Medical University for Sierra Leone”.
Dr. Blyden recalled that: “In 1996, after securing my two medical degrees (BSc Hons. in 1993 and MBChB in 1996), I had to fly to America to study at Kaplan College for the ECFMG to administer on me, three USMLE exams; all of which I passed with flying colours at first attempts”.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio is also completing the construction of a 100-bed pediatric hospital at the 34 military hospital which was commenced on 18th December 2020.
Like the Ultra-Modern American International University Medical College, the 100-bed state of the art pediatric hospital is in fulfillment of the commitment made by the First Lady to give more women and children the access to quality medical care and to help achieve the structural goal of the country’s only Military hospital.
Dr. Fatima Bio has earlier appealed to the Private Sector business owners in Sierra Leone to adopt at least one project as part of their corporate social responsibility, as it will also create employment for locals.
