The government signed a heads of agreement with Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) on Monday.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis was at the signing ceremony held at the school’s campus in Grand Bahama. He said, “today we forge ahead with our bold and ambitious agenda to galvanize Grand Bahama and revolutionize our nation’s health care landscape.”
Mr. Davis foreshadowed the expansion of the university which will accommodate 1000 medical students by January 2028. He also announced that Western Atlantic University will partner with the Ministry of Education to provide need based scholarships for Bahamians. He said, “we are delighted to make these scholarships available to aspiring health professionals.”
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper was also in attendance. He told those gathered, “today we have a medical school, in future I know that this will evolve more medical research, more training hospital, more medical tourism, as the Minister of Tourism I look forward to that.”
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville spoke about how the new agreement will positively affect the delivery of health care. “I believe WAUSM is a part of the government’s vision and we welcome you with great anticipation and enthusiasm as you move swiftly to plot the way for further development here at this wonderful site,” he said.
WAUSM Board Chairman, William Colgan said the agreement enables the school to fully execute its business plan and bring in students from around the world.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey and US Charge d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish were also in attendance.
