By Obegi Malack
obegimalack@gmail.com
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday launched the construction of Kenya International Mental Wellness Hospital in Ngong Veterinary Farm.
The hospital, which was designed by International Firm GKSD Engineering, will have an inpatient capacity for 600 patients.
It will also incorporate a wellness and sports centre as well as a university area.
The hospital will employ 1100 doctors and other medical staff and will collaborate with universities and other research institutions across the world to conduct research on mental health conditions so as to improve evidence-based care that will inform the necessary policy shift in mental health care.
The president emphasized the need for concerted efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness by actively supporting those in mental distress.
He called on Kenyans suffering from mental health challenges to seek assistance from the expanding network of facilities and service.
“It is important to underscore that the management of this hospital will ensure that all those seeking services here access quality mental health care services in an environment that promotes recovery with dignity and respect,” he said.
The government constituted a special taskforce on mental Health to study the status of mental health in the country and recommend transformative solutions to reform the country’s mental health systems.
Kenyatta directed Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to ensure the college and the hospital go hand in hand.
He promised that his government will construct Kenya Medical Training College campus and a level four hospital for the public and added that the facilities will be an appreciation for the locals for allowing projects in the area.
The medical training institution will cater for the increased numbers of students and need for more medics in the country. KMTC has 71 campuses strategically located in various parts of the country, Kajiado has one in Loitoktok.
The area will be a medical zone for the county and world at large.
The president was received by CS Kagwe, visiting Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, GKSD President Kamel Ghribi and area MP Joseph Manje.
