Health Cabinet Secretary has commended the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) for its role in the training of Clinical Officers for the local and global market.

The CS was speaking during the official opening of the 23rd Kenya Clinical Officer’s Association Scientific Conference, taking place at the Pride Inn hotel in Shanzu, Mombasa County.

He appreciated the strategic role played by Clinical Officers in propelling the country towards achievement of the Government’s Universal Health Coverage Agenda. “KMTC is the largest producer of Clinical Officers in the Country,” he said, urging the College to leverage on technology to enhance service delivery and training curriculum to prepare graduates for paperless clinics.

He said discussions are underway to create more employment opportunities for Clinical Officers to work not only in Kenya but also outside the country. This, he said called for aligning of the training curricula with today’s realities in the health sector and aspirations of the future as well. “Our curricular must meet international standards because Kenya is producing a global health workforce.”

He encouraged participants and medical trainees to familiarize themselves with emerging technological advancement and non- clinical issues in the healthcare field to ensure they retain a competitive edge in the global arena.

He was accompanied by KMTC CEO Prof. Michael Kiptoo, who gave the key note speech on the relevance of KMTC Alumni in the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage Agenda.

Reiterating the CS’s sentiments, Prof. Kiptoo encouraged healthcare practitioners to take advantage of global opportunities to expand their knowledge and gain new skills. “As a College, we have put mechanisms in place for blended training, where our students can attend online classes and practical training,” he said.

He observed that in addition to modern skills laboratories to support teaching and learning, the College has set up a simulation laboratory, as part of embracing technology to keep abreast with the dynamic health sector and to further enhance training of specialized cadres.

On her part, KMTC Deputy Director Academics Dr. Nyawira Mwangi emphasized on the importance of research in advancing healthcare service delivery. She called upon participants to go beyond the obvious to support patients live healthier lives.

Present during the event were Ministry of Health Director Clinical Services Mr. Manase Bocha, Dr. Julius Ogato, representing Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and officials of the Clinical Officer’s Union.

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