Mount Kenya University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise its existing partnership with Mathari Hospital. Prof Stanley Waudo, MKU Vice Chancellor, stated that this will cement the existing relationship between the two institutions. “For us to be effective in training, we must have hospital knowledge. Partnerships are effective in the implementation of our vision,” Prof Waudo said. Students undertaking Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine have been visiting the hospital under an existing, though informal agreement. “Partnerships with institutions like MKU will also improve quality of the services we are offering,” said Dr Kisivuli Azenga, the Medical Superintendent. Mathari Hospital established in 1910 by the colonial government as an isolation centre is one of four referral hospitals in the country and became a lunatics’ asylum centre in 1924, then still under the administration of the colonial government. The hospital also offers general medical services including maternity and VCT besides psychiatric training and treatment with a diabetic clinic, a fully-fledged laboratory and x-ray facilities. “Mental health should be given the recognition it deserves,” said Prof Kimathi Kigatiira, Dean, School of Medicine, adding, “This is an opportune time for MKU and institutions of higher learning to partner with Mathari Hospital.” The MoUs meets the university’s commitment to training qualified professionals in the fields of Medicine and Health Science.

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