Japanese Ambassador Hands Over MRI Machine and Ambulance to MTRH
The Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Hiroshi Matsuura, officially handed over a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and an all-terrain ambulance to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in a ceremony held today. The new medical equipment, donated under a Japanese grant, is expected to significantly enhance healthcare service delivery at the hospital, benefiting thousands of patients from 25 counties in Western Kenya and beyond.
In his remarks, Ambassador Matsuura emphasized Japan’s commitment to strengthening healthcare cooperation with Kenya, noting that the MRI machine is part of a broader bilateral initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in the country. “This is just one example of how Japan is supporting Kenya in its healthcare journey. We are proud to collaborate with the Kenyan government to ensure that the people of Kenya have access to better healthcare,” said the Ambassador.
The 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, located in the Memorial Wing of MTRH, is set to support the hospital in handling a growing number of diagnostic cases, which is vital for the region’s large population. Ambassador Matsuura also pointed out that the collaboration between Kenya and Japan would be further discussed at the 9th Tokyo Development Conference in Yokohama in August 2025.
MTRH’s leadership, including Board Chairman Mr. Sitoyo Lopokoiyit and CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa, expressed their gratitude for the generous donation. Dr. Kirwa highlighted that the new MRI will improve diagnostic capacity, helping to serve the 2,000 patients who visit MTRH daily. “This MRI machine will enable us to handle a greater volume of cases, providing advanced diagnostics to our patients and strengthening our operations,” he said.
The Ambassador was given a guided tour of the hospital’s specialized units, including the Renal Unit, Hemato-Oncology & Radiotherapy Centre, and the Diagnostics Centre. He commended the hospital’s role in providing comprehensive healthcare to a large section of the Kenyan population.
Additionally, the Ambassador handed over the all-terrain ambulance, which will help transport patients in remote and challenging areas, ensuring that even the most difficult-to-reach communities have access to emergency medical care.
Dr. Kirwa also urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which covers services available at MTRH, making healthcare more accessible to the wider population.
The donation underscores the growing ties between Kenya and Japan, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to improving healthcare for the people of Kenya.
Post Author
