KENYA —The Nairobi Hospital, in collaboration with the US government, is set to expand access to medical care in Kenya by establishing five new medical centers across the country, according to an announcement by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
The USTDA has awarded a grant to the Kenya Hospital Association (KHA), the owner of The Nairobi Hospital, to conduct a feasibility study aimed at improving and expanding healthcare services in Kenya.
The study will support KHA’s objective of establishing the new medical centers, digitalizing its operations, and enhancing cancer treatment services at The Nairobi Hospital.
Although the grant’s value and the locations of the new centers were not disclosed, the initiative holds immense potential for improving healthcare accessibility in underserved areas.
KHA, a not-for-profit organization, currently operates The Nairobi Hospital and six outpatient centers, catering to over 96,000 patients annually.
The feasibility study, facilitated by USTDA, will provide KHA with a comprehensive market assessment and design brief for the proposed medical centers.
Additionally, it will offer recommendations for procuring and installing advanced oncology equipment and conducting a technical analysis to upgrade and integrate existing information technology systems.
Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, emphasized the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure for Kenya’s prosperity and expressed USTDA’s commitment to partnering with the Kenya Hospital Association.
The collaboration not only aims to enhance healthcare access for underserved populations but also presents opportunities for US companies to provide cutting-edge solutions aligned with Kenya’s healthcare priorities.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who attended the grant signing, highlighted the need for international cooperation, particularly in cancer treatment and expanding healthcare access.
She expressed the US Embassy’s pride in working with Kenya through USTDA to promote innovative US solutions and strengthen the country’s health system.
James Nyamongo, CEO of The Nairobi Hospital, expressed excitement about the partnership with USTDA, underscoring its potential to improve access to quality healthcare and address emerging healthcare challenges in the region.
This collaboration aims to establish a scalable and sustainable healthcare system, promoting innovation and benefiting all Kenyans.
In addition to this development, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced plans to provide a loan of Sh1.7 billion (US$12.7 million) to Avenue Group, a healthcare provider in Kenya.
The loan will support Avenue Group in expanding its diagnostic services, clinic network, and refinancing existing debt.
Avenue Group is owned by Evercare Health Fund, a private equity fund managed by Texas Pacific Group (TPG).
Evercare operates an integrated healthcare delivery platform across South Asia and Africa, with a focus on emerging markets.
The initiatives by The Nairobi Hospital and Avenue Group, supported by USTDA and IFC respectively, demonstrate a concerted effort to improve healthcare infrastructure, enhance services, and expand access to quality healthcare in Kenya.
These endeavors not only serve to strengthen the country’s health system but also signify the commitment of international partners to support Kenya’s healthcare development and ultimately improve the well-being of its citizens.
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