Kenyatta National Hospital, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, has launched an on-site endoscopy training programme.
Endoscopy is a procedure where doctors evaluate the gastrointestinal (GI) system involving the upper GI, which is the stomach, oesophagus, and the first part of the small intestines.
The lower GI involves the large intestines.
The head of the Endoscopy Unit at KNH, Dr Linda Gathara, said the programmme is focused on human resource development for gastrointestinal diseases in Kenya, particularly in the endoscopy field.
The launch marks the beginning of a three-day hands-on training programme in various endoscopy specialties that aims to enhance skills and knowledge in gastrointestinal care.
During a sidebar interview at the referral facility on Tuesday, Gathara revealed more details on the programme.
“It is a three-year programme for on-site training in Kenya. The training and lectures will take three days, and we will engage with specialists from Japan," Dr Gathara said.
"In November, a team from KNH will travel to Japan for one month of training."
She said the programme runs twice a year with the hospital on-site training at KNH, and a team of five doctors would travel to Japan to receive further training.
“This year we have 13 trainees, 6 from KNH and 7 from all over the country,” she said.
Dr Gathara said the programme is very beneficial; it equips doctors from KNH and around the counties with skills to treat their patients better.
Director of TEMDEC at Kyushu University, Dr Tomohiko Moriyama, reiterated that the programme aims to tackle health coverage all over Kenya.
“We have advanced procedures we do in endoscopy, which include the Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), procedures for diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Gathara said.
Dr Gathara thanked the Embassy of Japan for sponsoring the programme and the KNH staff for participating.
She said Kenya looks forward to future partnerships.
