The facility boasts an impressive 170-bed capacity, including a specialised 39-bed ICU, a cutting-edge Cath lab, advanced surgery and recovery rooms, and state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
Tenwek Hospital, renowned for conducting the highest number of open-heart surgeries in Kenya, has long grappled with a backlog of over 800 patients awaiting life-saving procedures.
The pressing need to address this demand prompted the construction of the CTC, which is poised to employ 1,000 staff and is projected to attract patients from across Africa, significantly impacting the healthcare landscape of the country.
During a recent visit to assess the facility’s readiness for its imminent launch, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok expressed admiration for the advancements made.
“I am impressed by the progress and the potential impact of the Cardiothoracic Centre,” Governor Barchok remarked during his inspection tour.
Governor Barchok also highlighted collaborative efforts between his administration and Tenwek Hospital, emphasising initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and community welfare.
“We have established a Memorandum of Understanding with Tenwek Hospital focusing on clinical exchanges, student internship programmes, community outreach in disease prevention, medical camps, compassionate assistance, the revamping of Bomet Airstrip, and the urban planning of Tenwek Trading Centre,” he disclosed.
Moreover, Governor Barchok underscored Bomet County’s growing stature in the medical tourism sector.
“With the completion of our Dr. Laboso Mother and Child Hospital, the upcoming Oncology Centre, and now the Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre, Bomet County is set to emerge as a major medical tourist destination,” he affirmed.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the CTC took place on July 15, 2021, with Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ag Director General of Health, commending Tenwek for its pioneering role in rural healthcare by becoming the first hospital outside Nairobi to perform heart surgeries in Kenya.
The official opening of the Cardiothoracic Centre later this year by President William Ruto is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare sector, further solidifying Tenwek Hospital’s reputation as a regional leader in specialised medical care.