Equal access to education is not only a moral obligation but also an essential condition for a fair and functional healthcare system. Guided by this belief, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova is implementing the EGALMEDU Project – Equality, Access and Support in Medical Education for Students with Disabilities.

The project runs from April 11 to December 16, 2025, and represents a natural continuation of the initiative launched last year through the (diz)ABIL UMFCV project — the university’s first program dedicated to integrating students with disabilities. While the initial phase focused on building infrastructure and training academic staff, EGALMEDU aims to consolidate these efforts, expand interventions, and bring the university closer to a long-term vision of inclusion in medical education.

In the first phase, the project team will select and train a group of student volunteers, some of whom are direct beneficiaries of the project. These young people will become inclusion ambassadors in educational campaigns held in schools and high schools, promoting the idea that students with disabilities have a rightful and valuable place in medical universities.

The project also brings investments in technology and accessibility. IT and multimedia equipment will be procured, including voice-recognition laptops, tactile tablets, educational software for hearing and visual impairments, and adapted study materials. Academic staff will be trained to use these tools effectively to support students with disabilities.

Currently, 59 students with various types of disabilities are enrolled at UMF Craiova across all study programs – Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Through the implementation of EGALMEDU, the university aims to provide not only access to courses but a fully supported and predictable educational journey, enabling each student to reach their full academic and professional potential.