Delivery of pathology services in Kenya is constrained by a shortage of professionally trained pathologists and absence of an alternative reliable forensic laboratory, a lead forensic expert has said.
Dr Andrew Gachie, a forensic pathologist based at the Kenyatta National Hospital, said there are not more than 10 forensic pathologists who are crucial in collecting relevant information in cases where a person dies in unclear circumstances in the country.
“There is a huge shortage of properly trained forensic pathologists in the country which has hindered quick delivery of the post-mortem services,”said Gachie.
The pathologist was speaking yesterday in Elementaita during a workshop that brought about various stakeholders on pathology and forensic investigations and issues related to torture victims in the country.
Dr Gachie urged the government to invest massive resources in training an adequate number of pathologists and purchase of more specialised equipment to facilitate pathology services in the country.
Regarding forensic toxicology which deals with testing of elements found in a corpse to determine the cause of death, he emphasised the need for the government to establish sufficiently equipped alternative laboratory.