The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, on Monday visited Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to assess the institution’s delivery of specialized healthcare and its role in the advancement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya.
Dr. Oluga commended the hospital for its outstanding leadership in providing specialized care, training, and research, noting its significant regional impact.
MTRH, Kenya’s second-largest referral hospital, serves over 1.5 million patients annually, performs more than 60,000 surgeries, and carries out over 2 million laboratory tests, reaching patients across Western Kenya and beyond.
During his tour, Dr. Oluga visited key departments including the Radiotherapy Centre, Renal Centre, Catheterisation Laboratory (Cathlab), and MRI Unit.
He praised MTRH’s continued investment in modern infrastructure and medical innovation, which he said are crucial for improving access to advanced healthcare.
He also recognized the hospital’s growing international collaborations with institutions in North America and Europe, which he said have strengthened MTRH’s clinical and research capacity.
Particular praise was given to the hospital’s successful implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) model, which has streamlined insurance approvals and improved patient access to care.
“The Ministry is committed to enhancing efficiency across the health system,” Dr. Oluga said, calling for deeper collaboration between national referral hospitals and county health facilities. “We must strengthen primary and secondary care to reduce congestion at referral hospitals.”
He further emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the health system, upholding integrity, and ensuring consistent delivery of quality services.
“These are the pillars that will drive us toward a truly efficient and patient-centered health sector,” he added.
Dr. Oluga was received by MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa, alongside board members and senior hospital leadership.
He was accompanied by Mr. Douglas Bosire, Acting CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, and Ms. Agnes Tuiyot, representing the CEO of the Social Health Authority.
The visit marked a key step in ongoing national efforts to evaluate and support public health institutions in delivering on Kenya’s UHC goals.
