Grand vision is achieved as Kenya unveils new teaching, referral and research hospital
Today, Kenya celebrates a remarkable contribution towards the Universal Health Coverage that His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta declared to be a national priority as part of his Big Four Agenda.
The opening of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) marks a significant milestone within the health sector, not only in Kenya, but also in the region.
The Ministry of Health, under the guidance of the National Government, has deliberately responded to the need for increased access to health care, while at the same time ensuring delivery of high-quality services at affordable rates.
The formal opening of KUTRRH by His Excellency The President of the Republic of Kenya is a celebration of a journey that began 13 years ago, from conception of the idea in 2007, to securing Government funding in 2011, overseeing the construction from 2013 to 2016, and operationalising the hospital in 2019. This is a dream come true for Prof Olive Mugenda, the vision carrier, plus colleagues she worked with at Kenyatta University, who believed in the idea.
As envisioned, the hospital is a 650-bed facility, which includes a 76-bed Cancer (oncology) Centre, Renal Unit, cardiology, physiotherapy and many other specialisations.
KUTRRH is the first research hospital where state of the art study will be undertaken to support evidence-based approach to treatment. However, the most exciting aspect is the setting up of the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC), which will have advanced machines for early diagnosis of cancer. These machines are not available locally in any public institution in Kenya and the region, and will therefore go a long way in helping Kenyans who would otherwise be expected to travel abroad to access the services.
One critical machine that is being put up in the centre is the Cyclotron – the machine that manufactures consumables called FDGs or isotopes that are used in the PET SCAN machines.
The Cyclotron will produce enough consumables for the two PET SCAN machines being purchased and others that may be available in the future in public and private hospitals in Kenya and the region.
The President has been very instrumental in this project from its inception when he allowed its funding as the Minister in charge of finance then. He has continued to support this worthy initiative in his effort to deal with the cancer problem in the country.
The hospital Board is very keen on partnerships in the quest for excellence, and has entered into partnerships with The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, to enable joint training, research, and exchange programmes.
The Board is also entering into a partnership that will see KUTRRH support Gatundu Level 5 hospital with training, infrastructure and delivery of quality services.
The Research and Medical Training Collaboration will be with Kenyatta University and other institutions that offer medical training. Already, collaborative research related to the Covid-19 pandemic has started.
The KUTRRH Board recognises the contribution of former ministers of health, mainly Prof Sam Ongeri, Prof Anyang Nyong’o, Hon Charity Ngilu and Hon Beth Mugo, and Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia and Sicily Kariuki, who were all instrumental in the journey of the hospital.
