A large number of medical practitioners leaving the country to work in the West and sometimes in the Southern African countries is one of the biggest challenges facing the medical industry in Kenya coupled with a lack of sustainable medical research.
Findings in the British Medical Journal indicate that nine Sub-Saharan countries that invest in training doctors have ended up losing 2 billion dollars as the expert clinicians leave for more prosperous medical developed nations.
According to the Cabinet Secretary for Education Dr. Fred Matiang’i, there is critical need to develop medical research in the country, and to ensure proper use of medical resources.
Matiang’i was speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during the annual Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) that is aimed at boosting scientific health research across the African region.
The CS said that the Education Ministry is continually working with the University of Nairobi in the application and implementation of MEPI grant.
“This is an affirmation of the Ministry’s commitment and endorsement towards improved education and locally relevant research in Kenya”, said Matiang’i.
World Bank statistics indicate that Africa is home to 13.4% of the world’s population but contributes barely 1.1% of scientific researchers in the world with just about one scientist or engineer per 10,000 inhabitants.
The health staff tally has remained low due to the quality of life in Africa with heavy disease burdens that include morbidity rates and risks.
Matiangi explained that there is a gap in the health industry that will be addressed by increasing funding for research and development,embracing good policy focus,partnering for skills in applied science and embracing research and innovative collaboration.
The CS challenged the government and other health practitioners to work together and offer full support so as to develop health research in the country to find proper medical solutions.