Graduates in Medicine have been challenged to always uphold key professional values as they enter into service to humanity.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Philip Kirwa, reminded graduates that healthcare practice is a calling that needs humility, courage and empathy.
He said success in the health sector is not a destination but a journey to a lifelong calling to service and a continued learning process.
Dr. Kirwa was speaking during the 14Th Graduation of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) College of Medicine, where 293 students in various disciplines, including nursing, clinical medicine, orthopaedics and health records, graduated.
The event that involved conferring of diplomas and certificates to graduates brought together parents, guardians, faculty, government officials, partners and distinguished guests to mark a milestone in the institution’s continued expansion and contribution to Kenya’s healthcare personnel.
Dr. Kirwa commended the graduates, acknowledging their hard work, perseverance, and growth throughout their academic journey and pledged continued support from the institution as they embark on medical practice.
“Remember to always uphold professional values in your work. Integrity, curiosity, adaptability, discipline, resilience, empathy, courage, and humility. When opportunities arise and you bring your certificate to MTRH, knowing that you came from here, you will not be disappointed,” assured Dr. Kirwa.
He also expressed appreciation to the Board of Management, hospital leadership, faculty members, non-teaching staff, the Government of Kenya, and partners for their unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Kirwa revealed that MTRH College of Health Sciences has grown significantly since its modest beginnings to currently where the college hosts more than 1,000 students, reflecting its rapid growth and rising demand for specialised medical training.
“This college has grown significantly since its humble start in Room 56, a building constructed in the 1930s where it started with only 40 students,” he recalled.
The college currently champions various advanced and specialised programmes, including Higher Diplomas in Nursing Specialities (Nephrology, Perioperative Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Trauma, Oncology Nursing), Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN), Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (DL–KRCHN), Orthopaedic Trauma Technology, Health Records and Information Technology, and Certificate Programs in Health Records, ICT and Mortician Services.
The Ceremony also celebrated the first graduating class in Oncology Nursing, supported through a partnership with Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology in the Netherlands, and the efforts by collaborators, including Dr. Festus Njuguna, Head of Paediatric Oncology at MTRH.
Reaffirming MTRH’s commitment to national health priorities, The CEO highlighted the Hospital’s full compliance with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that more than 80 percent of patients’ bills are covered under the programme. He urged the public to enrol to avoid financial hardship during illness.
Dr. Kirwa underscored that while technology, AI, and machine learning continue to transform healthcare, human-centred care remains irreplaceable, especially empathy, compassion, and patient advocacy.
He announced that MTRH, the largest hospital in the region, is undertaking major infrastructure development at its new Kiplombe College of Medicine site, Soy Sub-county, through the Affordable Housing initiative. This will address the growing demand for training and reduce congestion at the current facility.
Besides the new 4,000 bed capacity multispecialty hospital, the facility will include a 3,000-bed hostel for students, State-of-the-Art laboratories, modern lecture halls, computer technology facilities, recreational facilities such as swimming pools, football fields, athletics tracks, and youth-friendly social spaces.
These facilities will enable students to learn in a safe, modern environment with all necessary amenities.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
