| dc.description.abstract | Prof. Peter Mbithi is given a tour of the centre by Prof. J. O. Mulimba. Looking on is Prof. Bernard Aduda.
A new surgical skills centre has been established at the University of Nairobi to offer training in the region.
The Nairobi Surgical Skills Centre (NSSC), a joint initiative between the University of Nairobi, Johnson & Johnson and Philips Healthcare Technologies, was officially launched yesterday in a colourful ceremony presided over by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi.
Located at UON’s Chiromo Campus in the Department of Anatomy, in the former Chiromo Mortuary premises, the state-of-the-art facility will be used to impart practical surgical experience among healthcare professionals in Kenya and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa. The Centre will address the acute shortage of specialist skills amongst medical practitioners in the Sub-Saharan Africa, where studies show that these countries have less than one surgeon per 100,000 people, which is way below the WHO’s recommendation of one surgeon per 5000 people.
NSSC will provide a wide range of skills in open and laparoscopic surgery, general surgery, gynecology, orthopedics, general practice, theatre nursing and other disciplines at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. The courses will led a faculty made of renowned local and international experts.
Launching the centre on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance, said that NSSC is a welcome addition which will enhance the medical practice in Africa and is also a perfect example of Industry/Public cooperation. Prof. Mbithi pledged full support from the University to ensure that the Centre’s operations are not derailed. The Centre will collaborate with UoN departments and local hospitals.
The Chairman of NSSC Prof. J. O. Mulimba thanked University of Nairobi, Johnson & Johnson and Philips Healthcare Technologies for ensuring the successful establishment of the Centre.
Steve Brockie, General Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnson & Johnson, said that the centre is the company’s commitment to supporting professional education in Sub-Saharan Africa and that it will help advance the skills of health care professionals in the region.
Besides providing the physical facility, the partnership will see the University acquire and prepare cadavers and source local faculty. On the other hand, Johnson & Johnson will provide the equipment to facilitate training, ensure availability of cadavers and provide external staff. Over 40 surgeons from Africa have received training on hernia treatment at the NSSC.
Mr. Mukesh Mehta, Group Managing Director, Phillips Pharma Group of Companies, Prof. Bernard Aduda, Principal, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, Prof. J.O. Mulimba, NSSC Board Chairman, and Dr. Chris Samkange, President, College of Surgeons in East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) are some of those who spoke during the ceremony. Also present were representatives from the Ministry of Medical Services and Kenyatta National Hospital. The Centre will be run a committee of six from UoN, Johnson & Johnson and Philips | en_US |
