10,000 medics to be trained on modern technology, says Mailu

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu (centre) with other guests in Nairobi when he opened a new institution that will equip health workers with skills on modern technologies. [Photo: Gardy Chacha/Standard]

At least 10,000 health workers are set to be trained on modern technology in the next three years.

This follows the launch of GE Healthcare Skills and Training Institute, a new facility where medics will be equipped with the new skills to improve health services. Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, while inaugurating the Sh1.3 billion institution along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi, said the project is in line with the Government’s efforts to modernise the health sector.

Better healthcare

The Government hopes to equip 98 health facilities around the country with modern facilities in a move that is also aimed at reducing the cost of health services. In February 2015, the Government signed a seven-year contract with General Electrics, financiers of the GE institute, for provision of better healthcare.

Through a programme dubbed Managed Equipment project the Government would buy new equipment worth Sh38 billion to equip at least two hospitals in each county as well as four national referral hospitals. Some governors had rejected the deal saying they were not consulted.

Dr Mailu said it is important to train health workers on the latest technology; “as it would be a waste of resources if they are unable to use the new medical equipment’.

“As a ministry, we recognise the importance of building strong partnerships with private sector and communities to strengthen the health workforce,” Mailu added.

GE Healthcare Africa President Farid Fezoua said the institution will have between 80 to 100 learners from across the region at any given time.

Fezoua could not state whether the project is part of the MEP deal only saying his organisation wanted to set up a facility that will help to develop human resources for Africa.