State Trading Organization (STO) launches Diploma in Radiography. Speaking about this unique initiative, STO identified the importance radiography in the Maldivian health sector.
Radiography is an imaging technique that uses radiation to produce scans of internal body organs. Radiography techniques include X-Ray, CT-Scan, MRI, Ultrasound Scans and Mammograms. It allows doctors to assess the body’s internal organs and check for the presence of diseases.
STO claims that a survey conducted indicated few radiographers in the Maldives. More precisely, locals who specialized in radiography were scarce; and only in two islands including Male’ City and Addu Equatorial Hospital.
The largest state-owned enterprise (SOE) partnered with GE Healthcare to introduce the academic course. STO envisioned this initiative will create the opportunity for locals to become trained radiographers without having to seek education abroad.
Students who applied for the course were assessed for their educational background. STO confirms a total of 94 students applied for the program. Entry criteria for the course include completion of A’Level or a Certificate 4 Course equivalent to A’Level (according to MQA guidelines).
STO shortlisted 36 candidates from the applicants, and conducted interviews followed by an entrance exam. Following the selection process, STO selected 25 finalists.
The course is accredited by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). Graduates of the course can register in the Maldives Allied Health Council as a certified radiographer. The course will run for a duration of two years, followed by six months of internship.
Students will be taught through in-person classes, with both tutorials and practical sessions. Following graduation, students will receive internship opportunities at IGMH, ADK Hospital, Senahiya Hospital, Tree Top Hospital and Hulhumale’ Hospital.
The course will be facilitated at STO Training Institute, situated in STO Trade Center, fourth floor.
STO also announced that it will be awarding scholarship for the students starting the course in 2022, fully funding course fees. Students will receive a monthly pocket money of MVR2,300 for the full duration of the course.