Contrary to false information disseminated through social networks, the closure of postgraduate courses at the Faculty of Medicine of the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) has not been decided. This was clarified by the university authorities in response to the report “Health university students at risk: violations of academic freedom and quality education” released by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Aula Abierta.
The document signed by Dr. Emigdio Balda, dean of the UCV Faculty of Medicine, states that there are 1,587 active postgraduate students and 1,384 applicants enrolled in the last year. Additionally, 3,706 professionals have graduated from the faculty between 2015 and 2022.
The NGO attributes student desertion in Venezuelan universities to the scarcity of supplies, violations of academic freedom, censorship, lack of technological updating, budget suffocation, precarious infrastructure, persecution, and insecurity. The report also mentions that there is a deficit of medical and laboratory supplies in the postgraduate courses of the UCV Faculty of Medicine, as well as an increase in vacancies for teachers and professors.
In recent news, the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) has announced the closure of several graduate programs in its Faculty of Medicine. This has been met with shock and dismay by many students and faculty members, who were unaware of the decision until it was made public.
The closure of the graduate programs is part of a larger effort by the university to streamline its academic offerings and focus on core educational objectives. The university has stated that the programs were no longer viable due to a lack of resources and a decrease in student enrollment. This has left many students feeling betrayed, as they had invested considerable time and effort into their studies, only to find out that their programs will no longer be offered.
The closure of these graduate programs has also had an impact on faculty members, as they have had to adjust their teaching and research efforts to accommodate the new changes. Additionally, the university has cut back on staff and administrative support for the faculty, further complicating the situation.
The UCV has yet to provide an official statement on the matter, leaving many students and faculty members in the dark. This has led to speculation and rumors about the future of the programs, as well as the university’s overall direction.
Overall, the closure of the graduate programs in the Faculty of Medicine has been met with disappointment and confusion. The university has yet to provide a clear explanation for its decision, leaving many students and faculty members feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future. It remains to be seen how the university will address this issue and if the programs will be reinstated in the future.