A lecturer at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. David Larbi Simpong, has donated a teaching microscope, and based-sledged microtome with accessories valued at 11,500 Euros to the Department to enhance teaching, research, and practical sessions. 

In his remarks at the presentation, Dr. Larbi Simpong said the donation was to augment the existing laboratory equipment of the Department in order to expose students to cutting-edge technology in the Medical Laboratory Science profession. He said the teaching microscope was procured through a grant he won from DAAD for completing his studies within record time at the Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Universität Leipzig, Germany. “I thought it wise to use my Small Equipment Grant of 1,500 Euros as a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholar, to purchase the teaching microscope for my Department at UCC,” he explained.

Dr. Simpong indicated that the Microtome and the cutting knives worth 10, 000 Euros were presented to him by Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Arendt, Director, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research (PFI), Leipzig, Germany, to enhance his research back in Ghana.“I indicated to Prof. Dr. Arendt my intention to continue the research I started in his laboratory upon my return to UCC and so this equipment is very appropriate” he noted. 

He indicated that with the equipment, students and researchers could cut thin sections of tissue for histological or histopathological studies.  He indicated that the items would facilitate the Department’s plans of establishing a brain research laboratory which would be the first of its kind in Ghana.

Basic Functions

Explaining the basic functions of the equipment, Dr. Simpong indicated that the Microscope was very advanced, and it could be used to visualize stained tissues, take micrographs, and teach students among others. The based sledged microtome will be used to produce thin sections of biological tissues for staining and visualization. He added that, in histopathology laboratory, microtome and microscope are key equipment needed. “While the device will enhance research at the Department and the School at large, it will promote practical training of Medical Laboratory Scientists at UCC,” he emphasised. 

Appreciation

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Department, the Acting Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Abu, thanked Dr. Simpong for the gesture. He noted that the equipment would boost laboratory work at the Department. 

Dr. Abu announced that approval had been given for the establishment of a laboratory complex for departments in the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) at the basement of the 25 no. Lecture Theatre Complex. 

Present were the Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Isaac Dadzie; Faculty Officer, Mr. Atta Yeboah-Sarpong, Vice-Dean, SAHS, Dr. Desmond Omane Acheampong and some lecturers and staff of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science.