JEDDAH, 30 September 2006 — UAE Health Minister Humaid Mohammad Al-Qattami and Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Gulf Medical College in Ajman, inaugurated a new histopathology laboratory at the college.

Histopathology is the study of diseased tissue and is used, among other applications, to diagnose cancer.

According to a statement issued by the college, the laboratory is equipped with advanced facilities. “The laboratory’s services will be made available for hospitals in the emirate,” it added.

The laboratory will also extend its services to medical researchers inside and outside the college. The 250-bed GMC Hospital, under the college, is the first university hospital in the UAE.

In a related development, Qattami introduced the new batches GMC students to health care profession by presenting them with white coats during a ceremony attended by officials and parents. After receiving the coats, the students took their oath.

Established in 1998 the college offers MBBS and Bachelor of Physiotherapy programs. It is the only medical school in the region, which offers admissions to both boys and girls of all nationalities.

Apart from academic programs, GMC provides continuing medical education and continuing professional development programs.

Moideen said he hopes to develop GMC into a medical university in the near future. “I am grateful to God that within a short span of time, GMC has been able to make its mark in the field of medical education,” he said.

“This was possible not only because of our excellent infrastructural facilities and the highly talented and committed teachers but also because of our efforts to initiate innovative educational programs, seminars and conferences,” he added.

“I am glad to say that after receiving formal approval for our program from the UAE Ministry of Education, our college is progressing very well with the ongoing process of accreditation. Inspection teams representing medical councils of several countries have visited us. These steps would ensure formal recognition of our college by these countries,” he said.