Thamar University Approves Midwifery Program to Support Community Health and Empower Rural Areas

 

□ Thamar University Media/Jamal Al-Bahri/ Ramadan 25, 1446. March 25, 2025

 

■ Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Haifi, the Rector of Thamar University, the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, in cooperation with the University Institute for Continuing Education, organized a workshop today entitled "Discussion and Approval of the Midwifery Program Description."

 

At the opening ceremony, which began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem, Professor Dr. Abdulkafi Al-Rifai, the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of the workshop on describing academic programs before their accreditation.

 

He highlighted the role of the midwifery program in providing vital health services to the community, particularly in rural areas.

 

He also commended the University Rector's efforts to modernize academic programs, develop human resources and invest in the university's highly qualified competencies to keep pace with modern requirements.

 

Dr. Al-Rifai addressed the importance of the academic "bridging" system, which will be implemented starting this year in all specializations, with a focus on medical specializations.

 

He emphasized the need to prepare medical colleges to receive students transferring through this system and ensure the continuity of their high-quality education.

 

From his part, the University's Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Academic Development Center, Professor Adel Al-Ansi, spoke about the plan to develop student services, enhance academic advising and develop students' research and professional skills with a focus on enhancing community participation.

 

He also noted the important role of the College of Medicine and the College of Medical Sciences in supporting the program and providing the necessary capabilities, staff, and laboratories.

 

He also thanked Dr. Amat Al-Khaliq Mihras for her efforts in preparing the program description.

 

From her part, Dr. Mihras explained that the midwifery program meets a pressing societal need and is one of the world's leading specialties in women's health care, especially in areas lacking advanced medical services.

 

She emphasized that midwifery is a key pillar in saving the lives of mothers and children, particularly in remote areas, through early detection of critical cases and their referral to specialized hospitals.

 

In a speech by the Dean of the Institute of Continuing Education, attended by Dr. Ahmed Al-Washli, the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Salah Al-Qawsi, the Vice Dean of Student Affairs, the importance of developing the institute's infrastructure, providing modern laboratories and equipment and strengthening partnerships with the labor market was emphasized to ensure the quality of the program's outcomes.

 

Dr. Hamoud Al-Mawshki, the Head of Dhamar General Hospital Authority and representative of the labor market at the workshop also pointed out the importance of applying quality standards in academic programs.

 

He emphasized the importance of training medical personnel in midwifery, emphasizing that the midwifery specialty sometimes determines the choice between life and death, because any delay in emergency care or lack of experience could lead to serious family tragedies, potentially resulting in the death of the mother or her child, or disability for the newborn.

 

At the conclusion of the workshop which was attended by a number of university leaders, including Dr. Mohammed Hutram, the General Secretary of the University, Nasser Najad, the General Secretary of the Development Center, and Fahmi Al-Shami, the General Secretary of the Institute of Continuing Education, the workshop presenter, Dr. Ahmed Al-Farasi, the Head of the Center's Training Department, a number of unit heads at the Center and academic and administrative staff at the university.

 

The approval of the midwifery program was announced with a recommendation to include it in the coordination portal for the academic year 1447. Priority in admission will be given to students from rural areas, based on the program's role in reducing maternal and child mortality and empowering local communities.