Mombasa governor Hassan Joho on Wednesday met with three Cuban doctors who were deployed to his county.
Speaking in his office after receiving the three, Joho disclosed that he had introduced them to a local delicacy, ugali.
“They are ready to learn the local Swahili language and work for the people. I have already introduced them to ugali, which is Kenya’s staple food. We hope they will find it sumptuous," he stated.
The Governor stated that the doctors would not receive special treatment during their stay terming reports that they would stay in fully furnished and secured apartments as a "non-issue".
“They will stay in the same facilities as local doctors ... but where they stay or eat does not matter. What matters is the improvement in our health sector," he added.
[caption caption="Ophthalmologist Margenis Artilez, Gastroenterologist Lilian Fernandez, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and specialised family doctor Damisela Valdes during a meeting at the Governor's office, July 5, 2018"]
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The three Ophthalmologist Margenis Artilez and Gastroenterologist Lilian Fernandez and specialised family doctor Damisela Valdes are expected to begin working immediately.
On their part, the doctors who are expected to operate from Coast General Hospital and Mlaleo Hospital.
"We are here for work. Every one of us is ready," lead doctor Artilez stated.
Earlier in June, President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed the medical practitioners into the country where he pleaded with Kenyans to cooperate with the doctors.
Uhuru explained that the specialists' services were much needed to fill gaps in local health centres as he asked Kenyans to fully embrace them.
"The 100 Cuban doctors specializing in cardiology, nephrology and neurosurgery, amongst other specializations, are now ready to move to the counties and I am delighted to formally send them off to deliver the much-needed services to the people of Kenya. Let us embrace and support them," he stated.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta flagging off the Cuban doctors as they embarked to various counties on June 27, 2018"]
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The President reiterated that the plan which also involves sending 50 Kenyan doctors to Cuba for specialist training would greatly improve local capacity, in spite of opposition from the local doctors' union which has demanded that the government first hire over 1,200 unemployed Kenyan doctors.
"Our doctor-to-patient ratio of 1 doctor to every 16,000 Kenyans remains an obstacle towards achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage. Local specialists are few and far between, yet their services are in high demand in the country.
"The bilateral agreement between Kenya and Cuba will, therefore, enhance health collaboration in specialized service provision and also build the capacity of our local doctors," Uhuru noted.
