The government on Tuesday, January 3, announced plans to construct a modern 2,000-bed Multi-Specialty Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kiplombe, Eldoret, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare in the country.
Speaking in Eldoret during a tour of the facility, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha stated that the designs of the facility were ready with the government seeking a proper financing mechanism to kick off the project.
The health CS commended the management of MTRH for what she termed as exemplary performance in ensuring that it meets the required standards to address health challenges in the region.
“The Ministry of Health will address the budgetary needs raised by MTRH Management to ensure MTRH meets all her Staffing, Training, Equipment and other needs," Nakhumicha stated.
According to her, the upgrade, once complete, will place MTRH on a sound pedestal in contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the Kenyan people.
In addition, the CS revealed that the Ministry of Health will assist with equipping and staffing two hospitals whose set to be constructed in a bid to enhance the delivery of health services.
Nakhumicha further revealed that the government had reached an agreement with international partners to construct a children's hospital with a 162-bed capacity in Kenya.
“Two partners, Shoe4Africa Foundation, New York, USA & Sidekick Foundation, Indiana, USA have been granted VAT exemption status by the government of Kenya to construct the multi-million 162-bed Shoe4Africa Julie Anne Perry Children’s Hospital and 64-bed Harry J. Dyer Children Burns Hospital," she stated.
Earlier, the CS noted that President William Ruto's government was committed to collaborating with county governments in a bid to upgrade health facilities across the country during a meeting with Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.
In particular, the CS stated that her ministry would work in conjunction with Governor Bii to upgrade the county's health centres.
"The CS paid a courtesy call on Uasin Gishu Governor H.E Jonathan Bii, the health CS said the national government remains ready to support county governments to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare," read a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The meeting between the two came against the backdrop of a looming doctor's strike in the country.
