Egerton marks fete with maiden graduates

From Left: Beryl Akinyi, Daisy Chebet and Cynthia Odipo take the Hypocritical Oath at Egerton University- Nakuru Town Campus on September 18, 2013. They are the first medical doctors from the university. Photo/SULEIMAN MBATIAH

What you need to know:

  • The university, started by Lord Egerton, had the sole purpose of training agriculture officers but diversified into the medical field.
  • In the 70s and 80s, the University of Nairobi (UoN) was the sole trainer of doctors before Kenyatta University and Moi University followed suit.
  • In a bid to bridge the gap, at least 10 public and private universities intend to train more doctors.

Celebrations to mark Kenya’s 50th Independence Day have gathered momentum.

Egerton University marks this fete with the release of its first ever medical graduates in 74 years.

The university, started by Lord Egerton, had the sole purpose of training agriculture officers but diversified into the medical field.

This comes at a time when the country is facing an acute shortage of doctors and nurses.

According to the latest statistics from the Health Ministry, the country has a shortfall of 20,000 doctors and between 40,000 to 60,000 nurses.

In the 70s and 80s, the University of Nairobi (UoN) was the sole trainer of doctors in Kenya before Kenyatta University and Moi University followed suit in the 90's.

ADHERE TO THE OATH

In a bid to bridge the gap, at least 10 public and private universities in the country intend to train doctors and are awaiting approval from the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board.

The universities include Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Maseno, Kabarak, Kisii, Pwani, Kenya Methodist University, Presbyterian University of East Africa, Uzima Catholic University, Masinde Muliro and Mt Kenya University.

Prof Barasa Khwa Otsyula, chairman of the Education Committee of the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board has urged the graduates to maintain their professional ethics.

“As young doctors you have a bright future and you should use your knowledge to serve the humanity,” he said.

However, he warned that the board would not hesitate to cancel their licenses if they fail to adhere to their oath.

“This oath was written in 400BC and it has not changed and if you want to succeed you must uphold the medical profession including keeping confidential information you receive from your patients,” said Prof Otsyula.

INCREASING STUDENTS

He cautioned the young doctors to observe global traditions by conducting themselves in appropriate manner in the public.

“As doctors you should not discriminate any patient regardless of his or her religion and you must also not use your knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity,” he added.

He was speaking at the Egerton University Faculty of Health Science campus in Nakuru Town.

Prof Otsyula said that his board was satisfied by the steps taken by the university to improve facilities adding “there is still more to be done and we hope the university administration will address the pending issues”.

He said the university need to recruit more staff to cope with the number of increasing students seeking to be trained as doctors.

The don also noted that the university needs to start a post – graduate training and work closely with the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital to attain this goal.

“The university needs more specialists in various fields of medicine who will help the students sharpen their skills and become good medical doctors,” said Prof Otysula.