Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is a premier healthcare institution located in Eldoret, Kenya. Established in 1917, it has grown to become the second-largest public hospital in the country, after Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. MTRH serves as a critical facility for both teaching and referral services, playing a pivotal role in healthcare delivery in the western region of Kenya and beyond.

History

The hospital's inception dates back to the colonial era, initially serving the European settlers before transitioning to a district hospital after Kenya's independence. It was later elevated to a referral hospital in the 1990s and affiliated with Moi University's School of Medicine, thus becoming a teaching hospital. This affiliation has significantly contributed to the hospital's growth in capacity and capability in providing specialized healthcare services and training healthcare professionals.

Services

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital offers a wide range of medical services across various specialties including but not limited to cardiology, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, and surgery. The hospital is also renowned for its Ampath program, a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program run in collaboration with a consortium of international universities.

Specialized Centers

The hospital houses several specialized centers such as the Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre, which focuses on the treatment and research of cancer and chronic diseases. The Riley Mother and Baby Hospital, another center within MTRH, is dedicated to improving maternal and child health.

Education and Research

As a teaching hospital, MTRH is instrumental in the education and training of healthcare professionals in Kenya. It offers practical training and internships to students from Moi University's School of Medicine and other institutions. The hospital is also involved in various research activities, particularly in the fields of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, contributing significantly to medical knowledge and public health policies.

Challenges

Despite its status and contributions to healthcare, MTRH faces several challenges, including overcrowding, limited resources, and the need for continuous infrastructure and technology upgrades. The hospital's location in a high-disease-burden area further strains its resources and capacity to serve the vast number of patients effectively.

Future Directions

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital continues to expand and evolve in response to the growing healthcare needs of the population. Plans for further infrastructure development, expansion of services, and enhancement of research and training programs are underway to ensure the hospital remains at the forefront of medical excellence in Kenya and the region.

See Also

• Healthcare in Kenya
• List of hospitals in Kenya
• Moi University