BOMET: A new Cardiothoracic Centre has been inaugurated at AGC Tenwek Hospital, marking a significant advancement in healthcare services for cardiovascular patients in Kenya. The facility, opened by President William Ruto, underscores the government’s focus on enhancing Universal Health Coverage, specifically targeting cardiovascular and related conditions through the Social Health Authority.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Debora Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, emphasized the urgency of addressing cardiovascular diseases, which remain one of the leading causes of mortality in the country. The integration of AGC Tenwek Hospital into the Social Health Authority grid is a strategic move to provide comprehensive coverage for cardiovascular conditions, aligning with the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage.

Dr. Barasa highlighted the government’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility, including strengthening community health systems through the training of Community Health Pr
omoters and implementing community screening programs. These initiatives, along with expanded SHA coverage, aim to enhance the prevention, detection, and management of cardiovascular diseases nationwide.

Dr. Las White, chief cardiologist at the AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre, disclosed that the facility currently has approximately 850 patients on its waiting list, many of whom are children. He noted the critical need for increased surgical capacity, as the hospital previously managed only one surgery per day due to limited resources.

The newly opened Cardiothoracic Centre features advanced medical technology and infrastructure, including 174 beds, 52 ICU/PACU beds, six major operating theatres, and other specialized facilities. Constructed at a cost exceeding Sh 4.5 billion, the centre is poised to significantly increase the number of complex procedures performed, reducing the backlog of patients awaiting surgery.

AGC Tenwek is recognized as the first rural hospital outside Nairobi to conduct heart surge
ries, having performed 2,000 major and minor procedures since its inaugural open-heart surgery in 2008. The new centre, which began construction in July 2021, is expected to transform cardiovascular care for patients in the region.