SHA has released Sh1.5bn to Moi referral hospital in past one year

The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has received more than Sh1.5 billion from the Social Health Authority in the past one year, a development hospital officials say is transforming services and expanding access to quality healthcare.

MTRH’s chief executive officer Dr Phillip Kirwa expressed satisfaction with the continued government support, noting the funding has enabled the hospital to improve its operations and deliver comprehensive health services.

Speaking in Eldoret, Health CS Aden Duale commended MTRH, describing it as one of the best hospitals in the country.

“MTRH is today delivering quality services, with many Kenyans benefiting from the SHA cover,” Duale said. He said the hospital would continue receiving necessary support to operate effectively.

Kirwa said SHA compensation has helped the hospital expand its services and address previous delays in clearing claims.

The hospital treats more than 20,000 cancer patients annually, a situation that places considerable pressure on its facilities and resources.

MTRH chairman Sitoyo Lopokoit said the hospital handles more than five million patients each year and conducts at least 17,000 surgeries within the same period.

With a bed capacity of 1,200, MTRH serves patients from 24 counties in western Kenya, as well as neighbouring regions.

“We are grateful for the dedication of our staff in providing health services to all Kenyans,” Lopokoit said.

Looking ahead, Lopokoit welcomed the ongoing construction of the new Moi Referral Multi-Specialty Hospital in Eldoret, which he said will significantly improve healthcare services and specialised care in the region.

“This new hospital will elevate healthcare delivery and expand research and training opportunities,” he said, noting the hospital board’s full support for the project as directed by President William Ruto.

The new facility, which sits on 200 acres in Kiplombe near the Eldoret airstrip, will feature 60 Intensive Care Unit beds and 120 High Dependency Unit beds, making it the largest facility of its kind in the region.

Construction engineers have already commenced work following Ruto’s directive that the first phase of the Sh50 billion project be completed within 18 months.

President Ruto’s health adviser and one of the project’s architects Wilson Aruasa described the new hospital as a game-changer that will enhance training, research and medical tourism.

Aruasa, who previously served as MTRH CEO, said the facility is a flagship project under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and will bolster Universal Health Coverage by increasing comprehensive and specialised hospital beds.

Once completed, the hospital is expected to raise Kenya’s hospital bed capacity from the current 13 per 10,000 populations to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 25 per 10,000.

The ambitious project is expected to ease congestion at MTRH, improve patient care and cement the institution’s role as a centre of excellence for specialised health services, research and medical training in the region.