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County healthcare boost as 800 students from Lamu set to join KMTC

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and the Kenya Medical Training College CEO Dr Kelly Oluoch during the MoU signing. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, May 8, 2024

KMTC pledged to introduce additional courses like Nursing, Clinical Medicine and Orthopaedics/Trauma Courses thereby diversifying healthcare training in the county.

More than 800 medical students from Lamu will join the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) after the county forged a partnership aimed at improving healthcare services in the region.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, alongside KMTC officials, sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, outlining plans to enrol 800 medical students from Lamu while in return providing internship opportunities at hospitals in the county.

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"I acknowledge KMTC's crucial role in assisting county governments in staffing health facilities and also express my commitment to partnering with the college to strengthen medical training and supporting President William Ruto's Universal Health Care agenda,” said Governor Timamy.

Under the agreement, KMTC pledges to introduce additional courses like Nursing, Clinical Medicine and Orthopaedics/Trauma Courses thereby diversifying healthcare training in the county.

Lamu County officials led by Governor Issa Timamy and their Kenya Medical Training College counterparts led by CEO Dr Kelly Oluoch during the MoU signing on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Of significance is the transformation of the newly established Mokowe Hospital into a hub for orthopaedics, trauma care, a modern eye unit, maternity and other specialised services.

Governor Timamy noted the facilities, King Fahd and Mpeketoni Hospitals would not only serve as a learning environment for KMTC students but would also provide internship opportunities.

The county noted that medical students will get to use the new Mokowe Hospital facility for learning purposes while the Department of Health leverages the arrangement to boost human capacity.

"This MoU presents a unique opportunity for the county and the institute to work together towards enhancing the delivery of our mandate in training and research," Health CECM Dr Mbarak Bahjaj said.

KMTC CEO Dr Kelly Oluoch said the MoU will cement their working relationship and ensure that everyone does their part to strengthen the health systems in Lamu County.

Under the partnership, KMTC will also support Lamu's youth through the awarding of scholarships.

Governor Timamy revealed that six Lamu students had received scholarships under the Beyond Zero project.

"The scholarships awarded to Lamu students are a testament to the collaborative effort between KMTC and the county government and they signify a promising step towards addressing the healthcare workforce needs in Lamu," Governor Timamy said.