Medical Students Urged to Turn Healthcare Gaps into Solutions
Kisumu, - Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has challenged medical students to confront the country’s most pressing healthcare needs and apply their knowledge to develop practical solutions for society.
Addressing the Medical Students Association of Maseno University finalists’ dinner for the Class of 2026 in Kisumu, Dr. Oluga encouraged the students to develop a habit of “walking towards problems” rather than avoiding difficult challenges.
“Go where the problem is hardest, not where the title is biggest,” he said, noting that leadership is demonstrated through the willingness to confront challenges and mobilise others to find solutions.
The PS called on the finalists to look beyond hospital wards and consider opportunities in research, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging fields of healthcare. He highlighted gaps in medical research infrastructure, particularly in genomics and precision medicine, as areas in which young professionals could make a meaningful contribution.
“We are now getting into precision medicine, where cancer chemotherapy should be based on your genetics,” Dr. Oluga said.
He urged the students to take ownership of their careers, emphasising that professional growth and leadership are built through competence, determination and consistent effort. Drawing from his experience as a student leader, doctor, entrepreneur, unionist and healthcare administrator, he noted that both successes and setbacks can contribute to professional development.
Dr. Oluga also called on the future doctors to combine professional competence with empathy and focus on areas where healthcare services are most needed. He encouraged them to explore opportunities to establish affordable services closer to underserved communities instead of concentrating solely on expensive urban facilities.
“The deficit is not financing, staffing or the lack of jobs. It is whether you have the courage to face the future and face it with empathy,” he said.
The PS highlighted opportunities arising from ongoing healthcare financing reforms through the Social Health Authority and Government efforts to expand local manufacturing. He said sustainable financing is essential to ensuring healthcare professionals are adequately compensated for their skills and services.
He urged the Class of 2026 to understand the changes taking place across the health sector and position themselves to contribute through research, technology, innovation and service.
Dr. Oluga concluded by challenging the finalists to consider not only the careers they hope to pursue, but also the difficult healthcare problems they are prepared to solve.