Health Committee urges Kenyatta University to halt takeover attempt of hospital and collaborate for student benefit in Medical Schools.
VC Prof Paul Wainaina instructed to cooperate with hospital’s management to benefit students pursuing medical courses
The National Assembly departmental Committee on Health has directed the management of Kenyatta University to stop contemplating the possibility of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) reverting to being a property of the learning institution.
At the same time the committee has instructed the University Vice Chancellor, Paul Wainana, to cooperate with the hospital management to benefit students in the schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Dentistry.
The University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainana and the hospital’s board chairperson Prof. Olive Mugenda have publicly differed over who should manage the hospital.
“To revert KUTRRH to Kenyatta University, it would therefore be mandatory to revoke the legal notice No 4 of 2019 governing its establishment. Which will not be possible, university management must leave with the fact that KUTRRH is a state department under the Ministry of Health, therefore, over sighted by this committee,” said Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose, who chairs the Health committee.
“It is the Health committee that appropriates money to KUTRRH while our sister committee on Education oversights and appropriates funds to Kenyatta University, so the feuding must and everyone must respect his space,” Dr. Pukose added.
Dr. Pukose spoke on Monday when his committee visited KUTRRH to assess its capacity and services, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis.
The committee visit aimed to evaluate the hospital’s infrastructure, technology, expertise, and patient care practices in managing cancer diseases.
“The committee has observed with great pleasure that the hospital boasts of modern infrastructure and facilities tailored to cancer treatment and diagnosis. This includes advanced imaging equipment, radiation therapy facilities, and specialized oncology units,” said Dr. Pukose.
“We want you to remain in realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis, because you are recognized as a specialized hospital at level six hospital, many Kenyans now depending on you and we don’t want you veer off from that trajectory,” he added.
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital offers a holistic approach to cancer care, encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
On his part, Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene, who doubles as the vice-chairperson of the committee applauded the hospital management noting that the integration of various medical specialties and supportive services to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
“We are happy that the hospital has assembled a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals specializing in oncology, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists.This expertise ensures that patients receive personalized and evidence-based care tailored to their specific needs,” said Munene.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron challenged hospital management to invest more on research as well as in clinical trials, collaborative research initiatives, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance cancer treatment outcomes and advance medical knowledge.
Nandi women representative Cynthia Muge-Rotich acknowledged efforts by the hospital to enhance accessibility and affordability of cancer care services.
“Initiatives such as subsidized treatment programs, partnerships with insurance providers, and community outreach programs aim to mitigate financial barriers and ensure equitable access to quality cancer care are great gestures,” said Muge.
Prof Olive Mugenda, the chair of the board of KUTRRH thanked the committee for supporting the institution even as she assured the committee that the hospital management is committed to their mandate of providing exceptional healthcare services, advancing medical research, and promoting community health and wellness.
Despite the hospital’s commendable efforts, the committee identified challenges such as limited resources, workforce shortages, and infrastructure constraints.
Recommendations were made to address these challenges, including increased government funding, capacity building initiatives, and strategic partnerships with academic institutions and international organizations.