Prime Highlights:
- Hon. Duale said Kenya can improve local healthcare, reduce medical travel abroad, and attract medical tourism.
- He invited Indian hospitals to invest in research, centers of excellence, and skills transfer programs in Kenya.
Key Facts:
- Kenya plans to expand training and fellowships in areas like cancer care, kidney health, biomedical engineering, mental health, and vaccines.
- The collaboration builds on SDG 17 partnerships to strengthen healthcare in both Kenya and India.
Background:
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale held a high-level bilateral meeting today with India’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, as part of preparations for the upcoming WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from December 17 to 19. The summit, themed “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being”, will provide a platform to enhance collaboration on traditional and complementary medicine.
During the talks, Hon. Duale said Kenya wants to learn from India’s experience in traditional medicine while also sharing Africa’s medical knowledge. He stressed working with India and the WHO to improve standards, do research, and safely use traditional therapies to support Universal Health Coverage.
He also highlighted the strong partnership between Kenya and India, which has already helped improve patient care through special treatments, joint training, and cooperation in medicines. Kenya plans to expand training and skills in cancer care, kidney health, biomedical engineering, mental health, and vaccines
Hon. Duale said Kenya can improve local healthcare, cut medical travel abroad, and attract medical tourism. He invited Indian hospitals to invest in research and hospitals.
On regulations, he made it clear that unregistered or illegal medical practitioners will not be allowed to operate. He stressed that patient safety, public protection, and the integrity of the health sector are top priorities.
The meeting was attended by India’s Second Secretaries, Mr. Amardeep Barnwal and Mr. Rishabh Rewar, alongside Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni. Kenya plans to use partnerships under SDG 17 to work more closely with India and create new opportunities to improve health in both countries.
