In a moment of immense pride and achievement, the Department of Physiotherapy at the College of Health Sciences (CoHS), Gulf Medical University (GMU), has been awarded Full Accreditation by World Physiotherapy for the period 18 March 2026 to 17 March 2031.
CoHS, GMU has been offering the BPT program in the UAE since 2000, with a strong academic legacy of 481 graduates across 23 cohorts working successfully locally and globally. The program has consistently aimed to achieve international recognition through its focus on quality education, evidence-based practice, clinical integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research.
The program achieved international recognition for excellence in quality education, evidence-based practice, clinical integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research. Aligned with global standards set by World Physiotherapy, the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences undertook a comprehensive self-evaluation as part of the accreditation process. Extensive documentation demonstrated compliance with required standards, including curriculum philosophy, expected student outcomes, course structure, timelines, and teaching, learning, and assessment methodologies.
This prestigious recognition follows a rigorous on-site evaluation conducted in November 2025, where the program was found to fully meet the World Physiotherapy Education Framework (2021), placing it among globally recognized institutions delivering high-quality physiotherapy education. Notably, it is the first program in the UAE to achieve full accreditation and ranks as the 14th program globally to receive this distinction.
This milestone reflects the unwavering dedication, academic rigor, and collaborative efforts of the entire Physiotherapy faculty. The achievement stands as a testament to GMU’s continued commitment to excellence in healthcare education and its alignment with international benchmarks.
The achievement is the result of sustained efforts and collaboration across the Department of Physiotherapy at the College of Health Sciences.
The leadership and guidance of Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean, College of Health Sciences along with the dedicated contributions of:
- Dr. Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, Associate Dean – Clinical, Professor & Chairperson, Department of Physiotherapy.
- Dr. Kumaraguruparan Gopal, Associate Professor & BPT Program Director Department of Physiotherapy.
- Dr. Meruna Bose, Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy.
Acknowledgment is also extended to Dr. Mohammad Rawashdeh, Associate Dean – Academics, for his valuable guidance and continuous support throughout the accreditation process.
The Department also expresses sincere appreciation for its strong clinical training collaborations, which have significantly enriched student learning and practical exposure. These include King’s College Hospital London, Dubai, Al Noor Training Center for People of Determination, Dubai, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Ajman, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, and Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, Ajman.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean, College of Health Sciences, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating: “This accreditation is a defining moment for the College and a reflection of our commitment to delivering world-class education. It reinforces our mission to prepare highly competent physiotherapy professionals who meet global standards and serve society with excellence.”
A special thanks with gratitude to our beloved Founder President Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Vice President Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay and our dynamic academic leader Chancellor Prof. Manda Venkataramana for the support and guidance.
This accomplishment not only elevates the standing of the Physiotherapy program at GMU but also strengthens its position as a leading institution in healthcare education in the region and beyond.
College extends its heartfelt appreciation to all faculty members and all administrative staff and individuals whose contributions have been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone.
