Three medical colleges at the Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) have been awarded international accreditation by the Accreditation Agency in Health and Social Sciences (AHPGS) in Germany. The accreditation covers four academic programs including the surgery study at the College of Medicine, Dental and Oral Surgery at the Dentistry College in addition to the Bachelor and Ph.D degree programs at the College of Pharmacy.

President of Umm Al Qura University (UQU) Dr. Bakri Bin M'atoog Bin Bakri Assas made the announcement Tuesday, Shawal 21, saying the colleges managed to get the international accreditation thanks to its highly-qualified staff and the available high-tech medical equipment that provide education and training according to the highest international standards, He added: the university, represented by Vice-Presidency for Academic Development and Community Service, would go on to carry out its international accreditation plan.

He credited the university's success for support given by King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Naif, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Education Minister Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Issa. The development plan is part of the Saudi Vision 2030, he said. Also, he hailed efforts exerted by Vice-President for Academic Development and Community Service Dr. Hany bin Othman Ghazi in addition to the staff members.

In the same context, Dr. Ghazi said the accreditation is the outcome of a plan carried out by the three colleges to meet the international standards under direct supervision of the Deanship of University Development and Quality. He paid homage to Dr. Assas for his keen interest in achieving intentional accreditation for all colleges. Also, he thanked Dean of University Development and Quality Dr. Mohamed Thabit, his advisory team, colleges' deans, heads of departments and employees who have been working like a team to achieve the accreditation.

In the same vein, Dr. Thabit said the AHPGS' auditors paid a series of visits to the three colleges and held meetings with its deans, heads of departments and students. They listened and recorded notes to assess the study programs according to objective standards set by the agency, he said. Dr. Thabit underlined importance of support given by Dr. Assas, Dr. Ghazi, his vice-deans, and consultancy team throughout the assessment phases.