The Ministry of Health has announced that it will not renew the agreement with the Cuban doctors who have been working in the country since 2018.
The decision was made public by Nakumicha Wafula, Cabinet Secretary for Health, during the official opening of the Pre-National Human Resources for Health Dialogue meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday.
The cabinet secretary said that the ministry was satisfied with the performance and commitment of the local healthcare professionals, who have been trained and mentored by the Cuban specialists. She thanked the Cuban government for its support and cooperation in improving Kenya’s healthcare system.
“Our very own healthcare professionals are committed to the cause,” she said.
The meeting, which brought together a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders, marked a significant step forward in enhancing the development and management of the country’s healthcare workforce. The event aimed to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration among health workers, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of listening and co-creating solutions to address the multifaceted challenges facing the health sector.
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The meeting also set the stage for the National Dialogue on Human Resources for Health in Kericho, planned for October 18th. The national dialogue will seek to review the progress and achievements made in implementing the Human Resources for Health Strategic Plan 2019-2023, as well as identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
The meeting was attended by dignitaries, including Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Country Representative, Mary Muthoni, PS for Public Health and Professional Standards, and Dr. Patrick Amoth, Ag. Director of Health. They all expressed their support and commitment to strengthening Kenya’s health system and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and quality health services to all citizens.
The Cuban Medical Specialists arrived in Kenya five years ago with the first batch of 50 arriving on June 5, 2018 and the second batch on June 7, 2018.
The doctors included orthopedic and trauma specialists, providers of intensive care services, general surgeons, cardiologists, plastic and re-constructive surgeons, urologists, radiologists, dermatologist, neurosurgeons, nephrologists, family medics, anesthetists, a maxillofacial surgeon, an ophthalmologist, a gastroenterologist, neurologists and endocrinologists.
