Lake Region Economic Block Governors have signed a commitment that will see establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Health Education and Training in the region. This is part of the ongoing Kenya UK- Health Alliance (KUKHA) Agreement signed in 2020.
Speaking in Kisumu when she presided over the agreement signing, Health Principal Secretary, Susan Mochache informed that the Centre will facilitate exchange programs with well renowned medical colleges and hospitals in the World. “The Ministry of Health envisions a centre that will produce health professionals who are not only ready to tackle emerging health challenges but also ripe for the global healthcare market.” The PS said.
Kisii University is expected to host the Centre with satellite campuses in Maseno, Masinde Muliro and Egerton Universities. The PS said that the Kenya Medical Research (KEMRI, the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) and other local universities will also be enjoined to enhance medical research.
She called for full commitment by stakeholders to ensure success of the initiative. “For ultimate realization of this vision and Universal Health Coverage, we call for commitment of resources by all actors- the alliance/UK universities, the ministries of education and health, the counties and the local universities and well-wishers.” She urged.
KUKHA also endeavors to Strengthen the establishment Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) as a centre of excellence for Cancer care with satellite facilities in Nakuru, Kakamega, Kisumu and Kisii. The PS revealed that the Ministry of Health has set aside funds for this purpose adding that two PET CT and one SPECT CT equipment have already been placed at KUTTRH.
She also informed the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC), has attended to more than 200 since its commissioning by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta last year. “This has saved the families cumulatively at least more than 400 million. The ministry is also setting up cancer/ radiotherapy centres with linear accelerators in Mombasa, Garissa, Nakuru.” The PS Said.
