Health-Kenya - The Kenya Medical Training College will start offering medical courses in Nyamira County beginning September. A delegation led by KMTC Director Dr Olang'o Onudi and Public Health and Sanitation Assistant minister Dr James Gesami, visited Nyamira district hospital to determine whether the facility meets the required standards for the college. Dr Gesami said the hospital board of management has identified premises that will house the college and land for construction of the medical school. "We are certain that the institution will be of help that is why we need to identify an area where it will be situated before the time," Dr Gesami said. The Assistant Minister said some buildings will be renovated and be converted into classrooms, residential, dining hall and library within a short period. Dr Gesami who is also West Mugirango MP, said CDF, Ministry of Medical services and funds from the hospital's cost sharing kitty will be used for the construction of the college.

The MP said he had requested for Sh 9M from the ministry to carry out renovation so that the can beat the deadline. "I am optimistic that the setting of the college here will improve health care to patients and benefit the entire county which does not have a medical training college," he said.

Dr Gesami said the college will also help alleviate shortage of medical staff in the hospital as they will offer services there while learning. Dr Onudi told the hospital management to do renovations in time so that they cannot be caught up with time. "it is upon you to move faster and ensure that everything has been put in place before the deadline," Onudi said.

Amos Nyambane

Nairobi Star/24/06/2011