Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in collaboration with the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), have partnered to offer the first-ever Medical Emergency degree program in Kenya.
During the programme launch on Wednesday, September 22, JKUAT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, stated that the institution will also offer a Masters’ degree in Medical Emergency for trained doctors in the country.
“The collaboration will ensure that the trained doctors excel in caring for the acutely and critically ill patients visiting the healthcare facility,” Ngumi stated.
On his part, KNH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Evanson Kamuri, stated that the partnership was a historic milestone in the country’s health sector.
“This major milestone will propel the institution in fulfilling its mandate of providing a facility for medical education through the partnership with JKUAT,” Kamuri stated.
Through the partnership, the university will also train skin specialists in the country with the aim of mitigating the rising cases of skin diseases.
Officials from the Ministry of Health led by Principal Secretary, Susan Mochache, lauded the historic move, stating the partnership will help the government in improving emergency care for critically ill patients.
“A great milestone for Kenya as KNH in conjunction with JKUAT launch a Master of Medicine program for Dermatology and Emergency Medicine, a move that will bridge the gap for emergency care in the country and region,” Mochache stated.
She added that the program will increase the number of skin specialists in the country, noting that many Kenyans were facing challenges in receiving skin treatment.
“Kenya has 34 dermatologists offering their services to the 47 counties and KNH has six of these doctors who have received training from various institutions abroad,” the PS stated.
“KNH has in the last two years attended to more than 7,000 patients with various skin conditions,” Mochache added.
She further stated that the initiative was part of the government’s agenda in offering Universal Health Care (UHC).
“I wish to assure you of the Government’s commitment to addressing health challenges for the great benefit of all Kenyans. Building the capacity of our health workers is a key pillar towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage,” the PS added.
