The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), The Maldives National University (MNU), marked a significant milestone in pharmacy education with the inauguration of its newly established Pharmacy Laboratory on 23 September 2025. Organised by the Department of Medical Science, the programme brought together 45 staff members and 25 students, along with guests and the Vice Chancellor, who officially inaugurated the facility.
The new laboratory strengthens the practical component of pharmacy education by providing students with access to modern laboratory facilities, pharmaceutical equipment and hands-on learning opportunities. The facility is intended to support experiential and competency-based education, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications relevant to professional pharmacy practice.
Following the inauguration ceremony, Bachelor of Pharmacy students conducted live demonstrations of pharmaceutical laboratory instruments and practical experiments. The demonstrations gave attendees the opportunity to observe the practical competencies developed through the pharmacy programme and highlighted the role of laboratory-based learning in preparing students for professional practice.
The establishment of the Pharmacy Laboratory also enhances the educational and research infrastructure available within FHS. By providing a dedicated environment for practical teaching, the facility creates opportunities to further develop laboratory-based learning, practical innovation and professional training within pharmacy education.
The initiative reflects FHS’s continued focus on strengthening academic facilities and providing learning environments that support the development of competent healthcare professionals. For Bachelor of Pharmacy students, access to purpose-built laboratory facilities contributes to the acquisition of practical skills and experience that can support their transition from academic study to professional roles within the healthcare sector.
The inauguration therefore represents not only the opening of a new facility but also an investment in the practical education and professional preparation of future pharmacy graduates. It contributes to the broader development of health education and healthcare workforce capacity in the Maldives, aligning with the University’s commitment to quality education and improved health outcomes.
