KMTC unveils courses to address health needs realities

Some of the graduating students at Kenya Medical Training College, December 2, 2021. [Samson Wire. Standard].

Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has introduced new courses and reviewed its curricula to reflect the emerging health needs.

Some of the courses introduced are speech therapy, sign language and point-of-care ultrasound in obstetrics for nurse midwives.

KMTC acting CEO Kelly Oluoch said the new courses are targeted at equipping students with relevant skills to keep up with the latest dynamics in healthcare services.

“The new courses and reviewed curricula aim to develop a workforce while prioritising the implementation of primary healthcare objects,” said Dr Oluoch.

He was speaking during the 90th graduation ceremony at the KMTC grounds. The theme for this year’s graduation was ‘Bridging Healthcare Workforce Gaps through Transformative Training’.

A total of 5,150 students graduated. Out of these, 642 received higher diplomas, 3,111 got diplomas while 1,397 were awarded certificates.

“I confirm that these graduands are well trained, examined and equipped with the relevant skills and competencies to serve in any part of the world,” said Oluoch.

He urged the graduands to have a plan, goal and purpose in life if they want to excel.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told the new graduates that as they go out into the world of work, “the interests of their patients supersede any other interests.”

The CS said Kenya is working towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whose duration of accomplishments coincides with Kenya’s Vision 2030.

“Aspirations of the SDGs are dependent on a strong, skilled, motivated and responsive health workforce,” he said.

Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache noted the strategic and important role KMTC plays in training healthcare workers.

“The backbone of any hospital from top to the bottom are the nurses. Without the nurses, you cannot run a hospital. Without lab technicians, you cannot treat the patients. And without pharmacy technologists, you can’t provide medications,” she said.