by Lorraine Anyango .
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) recently hosted officials from the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDC) for a supportive supervision visit of Uzima University’s medical program.
The CUE and KMPDC team, accompanied by the Uzima University Board of Management led by Prof. Boniface BKO Ganda, Dean of the School of Medicine, met with Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of JOOTRH, and its executive committee members.
The visit aimed to assess the quality of practical training received by Uzima University medical students at JOOTRH. As practical training is crucial in medical education, ensuring its quality is a key function of both CUE and KMPDC.
Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO of CUE, emphasized their commitment to fostering high-quality university education by regulating and accrediting universities and their programs, including supporting universities in achieving those standards. He also highlighted CUE’s role in promoting regional harmony and ensuring adherence to established educational standards.
KMPDC, on the other hand, plays a vital role in approving medical school programs. Both CUE and KMPDC offer guidance and support to Uzima University, ensuring it meets the necessary quality requirements for its medical program.
It is important to note that JOOTRH serves as a training ground for medical students from not only Uzima University but also Maseno University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University. Teaching hospitals play a key role in medical education, and they are required to meet and maintain minimum standards set by relevant governing bodies. These standards are crucial for ensuring the proper functioning and service delivery within the healthcare facility.
During the visit, the CUE and KMPDC team comprehensively reviewed various hospital departments offering a wide range of services, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics and child health, obstetrics and gynecology, mental health, and emergency and critical care. They also assessed the rehabilitation section, pathology laboratory, radiology unit, ENT department, dental department, ophthalmology department, anesthesiology department, operating theatres, outpatient department, public health department, pharmacy, and medical training spaces.
