by Suman Gupta
Navi Mumbai, May 2024: Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) are pleased to announce a landmark collaboration aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Kenya. The two leading institutions have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance clinical programs, scientific research, and educational initiatives. The partnership’s primary focus is to enhance the capability of KUTRRH’s clinical and paramedical staff and empower them with cutting-edge skills through a robust training program in the latest advances and best clinical practices.
The phase 2 of the program included an observership held at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai A team of six medical professionals from Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital went through intensive training in the management of renal failure and all aspects of kidney transplant surgery from donor selection to post-operative care as well as critical care. The training in Kidney Transplant was done by Dr Amolkumar Patil – Sr Consultant Urology, Uro–Oncology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery and Dr. Ravindra Nikalji, Sr. Consultant Nephrology from Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai while the Critical Care training was led by Dr. Akshay Chhallani – Lead & Sr. Consultant, Critical Care & Medical Advisor, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.
The current program involved Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai and Apollo Hospitals Nashik for providing hands-on learning to the KUTRRH team. The training topics covered included donor and recipient evaluation with comprehensive assessment protocols to ensure optimal outcomes for both donors and recipients. Immunosuppression protocols and the development of individualised treatment plans to prevent organ rejection and manage potential complications were also discussed. The sessions included organ preservation techniques with advanced methods to maintain organ viability during the transplant process, the latest surgical approaches for kidney transplantation, including minimally invasive procedures, and critical care management of transplant patients including management of complications and ensuring optimal recovery. The KUTRRH team also participated in a swap kidney transplant.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accessible and quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” said Mr. Ahmed Dagane – CEO KUTRRH, “By leveraging the expertise of Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai and their team of transplant experts, we are aiming to enhance the capabilities of our medical workforce which will lead to strengthening of the kidney transplant program at our hospital. This will ultimately translate to improved patient outcomes and will help build a more robust and resilient healthcare system in Kenya”
Mr Dinesh Madhavan – President Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals said, “Apollo Hospitals is deeply committed to advancing healthcare globally, not only through exceptional patient care but also through knowledge sharing and capacity building. I would like to thank the CEO & leadership at KUTRRH as well as Apollo Hospitals management for taking the leap of faith to develop the kidney transplant program in Kenya and we look forward to extend our support to other specialities as well”
The team from Kenyatta Hospital included Dr Edward Njogu Maina, Nephrologist; Dr Sultane Islam Amabruk, Anesthesiologist; Dr Fredrick Omitto, Urologist; Dennis Mwenda, Senior Nursing Officer; Elisha Yegah Nyakiamo, Senior Nursing Officer; and Lucy Waithira Ndungu, Nurse. In addition, Dr Gituma – Director Partnerships and Mr Ahmed Dagane – CEO and Dr Njom, Director Clinical services attended some of the sessions virtually.
