A delegation from the Commission for University Education (CUE) led by Professor Grace Njoroge paid an inspection tour to the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) a college of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) situated at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital.

The inspection tour was geared towards assessing the College suitability, adequacy and appropriateness of academic resources to support the programmes on offer and student enrollment while noting that the college offers programmes that support health security.

The College was approved by the University Council in January 2022 and plays a leading role in training health professionals who are well equipped with solid scientific knowledge, diverse skills and the appropriate attitude to enable them operate in a challenging healthcare and security environment.

The college also supports the functions of the Directorate of Medical Services in sharpening the arrowhead for medical personnel to enable them provide medical services to KDF medical institutions.

The Director of Medical Services Major General(Dr) Ng’ang’a who has been instrumental in spearheading support to the College noted that the College will open opportunities for medical research in KDF. The College will also build capacity for the various levels of medical institutions within KDF especially the upcoming level six hospital whose completion will be a great milestone for KDF medical functions.

In his welcoming remarks the NDU-K Vice Chancellor Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi acknowledged the critical role played not only in birthing the University but also the support CUE is offering towards attainment of maturity. He further acknowledged the highlights of post-charter award interventions by CUE including the processing of names, provision of human resource during capacity building, workshops and deployment of senior leaders to assist in the development of unique statutes.

The VC pointed that the defining action was a recognition that the role of DCHS was critical in supporting Defence and security professionals in their mandate of protecting the National interest.

Lt Gen Mwangi further said the contemporary security environment calls for empowerment of Health professionals to match the complex threats to the health of security personnel and their dependants.

He noted that new innovative approaches to training are vital considering the specialised competencies needed, frequently under holistic situations.

He added that DCHS is a centre for continuous professional development for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) medical personnel by offering professional training and capacity building for a healthy security sector and national development. The students are empowered to approach health matters in a holistic perspective and critically analyse issues with view to providing premier health services to the Defence community and conduct health related research.

The college recently rolled out three programmes, namely Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing, Higher Diplomas in Critical Care Nursing and Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery in Anaesthesia. Moreover, the development of degree programmes is underway with preparation for commencement of the first undergraduate programme, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health, which provides unique adaptation of medical concepts to equip the military nurse with competencies to work both in peace time and combat environment.

Present during the tour at DCHS were Senior Medical Officers, CUE Representatives and other Invited Guests.