KMTC’s 7th Biennial Scientific Conference Explores Technology and Innovation to Strengthen Primary Healthcare
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) hosted its 7th Biennial Scientific Conference at its headquarters in Nairobi. The conference, running from May 29th to 31st 2023, was centered on the theme of “Embracing Technology and Innovation in Training and Research towards strengthening primary health care.”
The event aimed to explore the role of technology and innovation in enhancing healthcare education, community health, healthcare financing, emerging technologies, and innovations in healthcare, as well as the management of non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, and epidemics.
Distinguished epidemiologist and Acting Head of the Directorate of Health Policy, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Dr. Joseph Sitienei, delivered the keynote speech, addressing the significance of the conference’s theme. He emphasized the importance of incorporating technology and innovation into training and research to bolster primary healthcare and achieve Universal Health Coverage.
Making his remarks KMTC Board Chairperson Amb. Zachary Muburi-Muita, had this to say “Aligned with the Government’s bottom-up economic agenda, which emphasizes inclusivity and sustainable development, our objective is to contribute to the realization of universal health coverage.”
Amb. Muita expressed the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and announced a comprehensive capacity-building initiative targeting teaching and non-teaching staff. “This initiative aims to equip faculty and researchers with the necessary skills in research proposal writing, grant writing, and publication to produce research outcomes of the highest quality and relevance,” he added.
Speaking at the same event KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch commended the diverse range of topics chosen for the conference, reflecting the College’s dedication to the principles of universal health coverage. Dr. Oluoch reported that KMTC has developed a comprehensive Science, Technology, And Innovation Strategy to guide the institution in advancing research, innovation, and the commercialization of healthcare products.
The conference attendees have the privilege of hearing from esteemed speakers in the field of healthcare. These include Acting Head of the National Quality Institute Mr. Charles Maru, the Head of the Division of Primary Health Care Services and Family Medicine Dr. Mohamud Mohamed, Ministry of Health’s Head of Health Financing Dr. Isabella Maina, Aga Khan Hospital’s Centre for Innovation in Medical Education Specialist Mr. Joash Kiptanui, East Africa Kidney Institute Project Manager Dr. Hossan Ajuck, and Ministry of Health’s National Vaccines and Immunization program Strategic Information Management and Communications Officer Dr. Rose Jalang’o. Their expertise and contributions are expected to shape the discussions and provide valuable insights into various aspects of the healthcare field. In addition, 24 Scientific papers will be presented.
The KMTC 7th Biennial Scientific Conference underscores the College’s role as a pioneering institution in healthcare education. With its focus on technology, innovation, and research, KMTC aims to drive advancements in healthcare and make a significant impact nationally and globally.
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