Lakes State Health Minister Launches Final Board Exams, Urges Students to Uphold Professional Ethics

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The Lakes State Caretaker Minister of Health, Dr. Makur Matur Kariom, on Monday officially launched the final national qualifying board examinations for 105 students at Rumbek Health Science Institute.

The candidates are pursuing various health-related courses, including Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, and Laboratory Sciences.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, marked by the ringing of a bell to signal the start of the examinations, Dr. Kariom encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies and uphold professional ethics throughout their careers.

He revealed that the government has plans to upgrade the institute from offering diploma programmes to providing bachelor’s degree qualifications.

Dr. Kariom also emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure the delivery of quality education and professional health services, noting that academic standards and ethical conduct are essential in preventing malpractice and improving the health sector.

He further highlighted the importance of maintaining safety and security under the leadership of Lakes State Caretaker Governor, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, saying a peaceful learning environment is vital for the institution’s continued development.

“The dream is to upgrade this institute so that it can offer bachelor’s degree programmes and produce more qualified health professionals,” Dr. Kariom said.

Rumbek Health Science Institute was established in 2015 under the leadership of Dr. Riek Gai Kok from the National Ministry of Health. The institution was established with the aim of increasing the number of trained midwives and other medical professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery across Lakes State.

Meanwhile, the institute’s Academic Registrar, Mr. Santos Meen Mading Makuany, said the graduating candidates represent the fifth batch of students to complete their studies at the institution.

He expressed appreciation to Dr. Makur Matur Kariom, whom he described as the founder of Rumbek Health Science Institute, for his contribution to the development of the institution.

For his part, the Chief Invigilator, Mr. Iwa Martin, confirmed that a total of 105 candidates were sitting for the national qualifying examinations, comprising 64 males and 41 females.

According to the invigilator, the candidates are distributed across four academic programmes as follows Clinical Medicine: 33 candidates (28 males and 5 females), Nursing: 36 candidates (23 males and 13 females), Midwifery: 31 candidates (5 males and 26 females), Laboratory Sciences: 10 candidates (7 males and 3 females).

Mr. Martin further disclosed that seven candidates among the total number were sitting for supplementary examinations.

The examinations mark another important milestone for Rumbek Health Science Institute as it continues its efforts to train qualified health professionals and contribute to improving healthcare services in Lakes State and South Sudan at large.