Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says the government acknowledges the contribution of the Church Health Association of Kenya in ongoing efforts aimed at transforming the health sector.
Speaking during the opening of the New Clive Irvine College of Health Sciences & Accommodation Block at PCEA Chogoria Hospital, in Tharaka Nithi County, the CS appreciated the role churches play in providing the highest quality of health.
“This task is no mean feat and the Government cannot achieve it alone without the support of other partners and stakeholders, including the Private Sector and Faith Based organisations such as this facility managed by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, PCEA,” Kagwe said.
The CS observed that Mission hospitals have been at the forefront in providing health services. “Our people have greatly benefited and continue to benefit from the church’s numerous hospitals including Chogoria, Tumutumu and Kikuyu. These facilities also serve as internship centres for our medical students.” Added the health CS.
The PCEA Chogoria church has gone further to establish the Clive Irvine College of Health Sciences that offers diplomas and certificates in health-related courses.
“I am informed that from its humble beginnings, the College has now introduced additional courses such as Diploma in Community Health, Diploma in Health Records and Diploma in Perioperative Theatre Technology,” said the CS.
Sen. Kagwe challenged the College to keep expanding its portfolio of courses to grow the Country’s health workforce, especially in new and emerging areas such as critical care nursing.
The latest development comes in the wake of a major milestone in the health sector. On Monday, February 7, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the first-ever International Health Workers Curriculum & Training Review Conference attended by delegates from over 26 Countries.
“I must say that all stakeholders including faith-based organizations were fully represented in the discussions that sought to explore how the training of health professionals can be harmonized to address current and future needs, “noted the CS.
Clive Irvine College principal, Jimson Kithinji said construction of the new block was informed by increased demand with the institution having been experiencing a surge in the number of students applying for nursing courses. The Principal adding that since its establishment, the hospital has positively impacted the surrounding community and is open for further growth.
PCEA Chogoria Hospital is a Christian not – for – profit organization registered under Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board Act of Kenya. The hospital has a capacity of 295 beds and offers curative, preventive and promotive health care services. It is one of the main referral hospitals in Eastern region with a catchment covering five counties of Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Isiolo and Marsabit Counties.
