Nairobi, KENYA:The Ministry of Health and the county governments on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cuban medical specialists.
The signing ceremony saw almost all the 47 governors sign the MOU with the Cabinet Secretary for Health Sicily Kariuki.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kariuki, alluded that the board vetted and found 100 qualified doctors from Cuba who will be able to speak English and able to serve local population for a maximum of 2 years.
The CS said that the coming of Cuban Doctors will also give them an opportunity to transport 50 Kenyans medical specialist to Cuba to undergo a 2 year post graduate training.
“The selection of 100 Cuban specialists is a process that has undergone rigorous pre-selections and prior review of Kenya medical practitioners and dentist board (KMPDU),” Said Kariuki.
The vice chair of the council of governor Ann Waiguru on her side said that, they welcome Cuban Doctors to give services to Kenyans as the move is a realization to good health of our people.
“The journey towards universal healthcare is a long term undertaking that requires regular consulatation and coordination between the two levels of government and all actors.” Said Waiguru.
Waiguru pointed out that, there is need for the county government and national government to work very closely to provide the enabling environment, tools and equipments, health products and commodities for specialist to do their work and more so there is need of strengthening the referral system and structures to minimize the inconvenience of the public in accessing healthcare.
She also highlighted the need to do a consultative discussion between the national and county government on the 100 doctors from Cuba and see how they can be shared among counties to make sure all of them are covered amicably.
“The occasion is a demonstration of strong intergovernmental relations in addressing issues in health and other national developmental priorities.” Added waiguru.
Speaking to Baraka Fm, Kericho County Governor Professor Paul Chepkwony, supported the move by the national government in bring Cuban specialist citing, as one way of softening work in county hospitals.
The incoming Doctors are expected to work with the Kenyans doctors in ensuring that they help in the fight against life challenging diseases in the country.
The 100 Cuban doctors will be distributed to each county; with each county getting at least 2 specialist.
The move is a realization towards the big 4 agenda by the Jubilee government on Universal Health care.
