At least 268 students from across Eastern Equatoria State started taking the National Health Professional Examination Board (NHPEB) exams at Torit Health Science Institute in Eastern Equatoria State on Monday.
The candidates, 102 females, and 166 males, are being examined in the courses of nursing, midwifery, clinical medicine, public health, medical laboratory, and pharmacy.
This is the seventh batch sitting for the examinations at Torit Health Science Institute since its establishment.
Richard Lokude, a clinical medicine student, said they are ready for the exams and confident that they will pass.
“We are well prepared for this national exam and we are confident that we will pass with flying colors to prepare us for the future. We are committed and strongly believe the results will be in our favor,” he stated.
A female midwifery student, Beatrice Taban, said she has been looking forward to the exams, saying she is 95 prepared.
“It has been a long way and today we have come to the end of it,” she said. “We are starting our papers today Monday until Thursday and we have been studying and we are confident that we shall make it. Let me say I am 95 percent prepared because we cannot be sure about everything.”
For his part, Magesi Tobias Omal, the principal at Torit Health Science Institute, urged the candidates to commit to and observe the examination code of conduct.
He said any malpractice will be punished but added that a special consideration will be accorded to breastfeeding students to attend to their babies during exams.
“This is the seventh batch to finalize from five departments of midwifery, pharmacy, laboratory technicians, nursing, clinical medicine, and public health,” he said.
Meanwhile, Elia John Ahaji, the acting health minister who doubles as Eastern Equatoria State spokesperson, commended the candidates for their commitment to completing their studies.
“As you embark on your final exams, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to each one of you. Your dedication and hard work in pursuing higher education amidst challenges is truly commendable,” he stated. “Some of you come with empty stomachs but you here studying to make sure you improve health services in our nation. Approach these exams with confidence and determination knowing that your knowledge and skills will pave the way for a better tomorrow.”