Ajman, November 6: The Gulf Medical University (GMU), the biggest private medical university in the Middle East region, celebrated its 20 years of excellence in education, healthcare and research with seven colleges and 26 accredited programmes. The university celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 5.

Participating in the programme, GMU founder and president of Board of Trustees Dr Thumbay Moideen said that the completion of 20 years marked an important milestone in its pursuit of growth and success. “From humble beginning as the region’s first private medical University, today, two decades since its inception, GMU is standing tall as the region’s only private academic health system, delivering futuristic medical education besides playing an important role in providing state-of-the-art healthcare and promoting innovative research. The evolution of GMU as one of the most popular destinations of advanced medical education, healthcare and research in the region, is the result of dedication and hard work, not to mention GMU’s philosophy of constant innovation and above all, the grace of the almighty. We have received excellent support from the government throughout this journey,” he said.

GMU Chancellor Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that GMU has built a unique model in the form of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS), showing the world that the future of medical education is ‘systems’ linking education, healthcare and research. “We now have 7 colleges and 26 accredited programmes, with many new programmes expected to receive accreditation soon.” he said, adding admissions for the academic year 2018-19 are now open for various courses.

Thumbay Group Healthcare Division vice president Akbar Moideen Thumbay,  Vice Provost and Deans of the colleges of the University as well as other staff and students participated in the event.

GMU enjoys a robust collaboration with a number of prestigious universities around the world such as the University of Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee - USA, University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy in Connecticut, German Heidelberg University, American University in Cairo, University of Ghana, Medical University of Lublin, Tokyo Medical & Dental University, etc., as well as research institutes such as the Gustave Rossi Cancer Research Institute – France. GMU uses the latest technologies like Virtual Patient Learning (VPL), its own simulation programme,  in teaching and training students across all majors, to ensure their workplace readiness once they graduate from the GMU.

Research is an important strategic direction of GMUAHS. The Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine leads research in the field of cancer biology and immunology, with international collaboration with France, Poland and Korea. In terms of advancing healthcare in the UAE and globally, GMU has launched three medical researches: Cancer Immunology and experimental oncology; tumor genetic instability and immunogenicity; and biomarkers and functional genomics.

GMU attracts students from new countries each year, and the University’s student community is approximately 2000-strong today, hailing from more than 80 countries. The student population is growing every year.  GMU has been ranked among the top 50 medical universities in the Middle East by US News, bagged gold at the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards, 2018. GMU also secured top positions in e-learning regionally and globally at the Wharton QS-Stars  Reimagine Education Conference & Awards 2018 in the USA, in addition to obtaining 5 stars in teaching and community engagement by QS. The University also received the prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award this year, for the 2017 assessment cycle.

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Mumbai (PTI): Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar converged at his memorial in Mumbai's Dadar area on Saturday to pay tributes to the social reformer on his death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din'.

Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tributes to Ambedkar at 'Chaityabhoomi' in Shivaji Park.

The Governor said Ambedkar gave the country a Constitution which ensured equal rights to all people.

Speaking at a tribute event organised at 'Chaityabhoomi' on the occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Din of Dr Ambedkar, Devvrat said great personalities strengthen movements of social justice and live forever through their thoughts and work.

"Despite adversities, Babasaheb believed education to be the most powerful weapon to change the future of a family, society and a country. The Constitution united people from different communities and ensured equal rights to all," he said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ambedkar laid the foundation for the nation's progress and due to his far-sighted vision, India has emerged as the world's fourth largest economy and is poised to reach the third rank soon.

Fadnavis underlined Ambedkar's role in India's energy security, stating that the adoption of a national power grid concept enabled the country's path toward energy self-reliance.

"The Constitution ensured a strong democratic base and safeguarded the rights of common citizens," he said, adding the state government is committed to completing developmental works at the 'Chaityabhoomi' memorial.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Ambedkar's struggle was for establishing equality, liberty, justice and fraternity.

"The guiding principle of "Educate, Organise and Agitate" continues to inspire social transformation," he said.

The Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, along with several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries, paid floral tributes at the memorial. Dignitaries also visited a photo exhibition organised by the BMC.

A helicopter showered flower petals over 'Chaityabhoomi' and copies of the Constitution were presented to the attendees.

Every year, thousands of people from across the state converge at 'Chaityabhoomi' on December 6. Ambedkar died on this day in 1956.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water and medical stalls at the Shivaji Park, in view of the huge rush of Ambedkar's followers.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Ambedkar’s ‘visionary’ leadership.

“Remembering Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values.

“May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” Modi said in his message.