First Lady visits Maputo Heart Institute, roots for increased access to healthcare

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta receives a gift at Maputo City Hall, Mozambique where President Uhuru Kenyatta received the key to Maputo City.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has rooted for the establishment of non-profit medical facilities to boost access to specialised treatment for Kenyans suffering from heart diseases, especially those from poor and disadvantaged families.

Speaking after visiting the Maputo Heart Institute, a non-profit facility where 90 per cent of the operations are free for poor and disadvantage communities, the First Lady expressed the need for similar institutions in Kenya to complement the services offered by public and private hospitals.

The Maputo Heart Institute, established in 2001 with support from four European non-governmental organisations, trains Mozambicans locally to reduce dependence on foreign doctors.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and the First Lady are in Mozambique on a state visit that started on Thursday.