People of AMPATH: Dr. Philip Kirwa, MTRH CEO
Dr. Philip K. Kirwa is the Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), a level 6B National/International teaching and referral hospital offering outpatient, inpatient, and specialized healthcare services. MTRH serves Kenya, parts of eastern Uganda, southern Sudan, northern Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo with a population of approximately 25 million people.
Dr. Philip KIrwa
Dr. Kirwa is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with over 28 years of experience in medicine and reproductive health. He is Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of East, Central, and Southern Africa (FCOG-ECSA), a member of Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and Kenya Obstetrical Gynaecological Society (KOGS).
He brings forth a wealth of experience both in medical practice and administration having previously served as a Chief Medical Specialist for 8 years, Medical Director Private Wings for 14 years and Director for Reproductive Health before rising to the position of Senior Director, Clinical Services, a position he held from 2018-2023.
Under his leadership, the hospital has expanded in several spheres including sub-specialized services: cochlear implantation, kidney transplant, open heart surgery and corneal transplant among others. There has been an increase in the number of patients being attended to and the complexity of their diagnosis, as well as an increased number of specialized Human Resources for Health (HRH).
Are there any AMPATH related experiences that have impacted your career?
Yes. The partnership has realized the fundraising, funding and construction of some of the MTRH’s capital projects that have gone on to greatly impact the lives of not only Kenyans, but also East Africans by extension. Some of these projects include: Riley Mother & Baby Hospital, Majaliwa (surgery) Theatres, Chandaria Cancer & Chronic Diseases Centre, Cardiac Care Unit, Nawiri Recovery & Skills Centre, spine (surgery) theatre, and upcoming burn unit and neurodevelopmental centre.
MTRH has also seen increased trainings and fellowship of doctors, nurses and other healthcare allied workers through courses like Higher National Diplomas in Clinical Medicine & Nursing as well as programs like Women in Leadership Program and the Advanced Practice Nursing.
What are some of your plans for MTRH under your leadership?
Under my leadership, I intend to enhance MTRH's collaborative efforts to support and contribute to the institution’s mission of providing excellent healthcare, training and research. We will focus on sub-specialized care through construction and equipping of new Multi-Specialty MTRH.
How does the AMPATH partnership support your aspirations for the future of MTRH?
The AMPATH partnership between academic institutions and public health sector, especially through MTRH, is a robust global network aimed at reducing health disparities and strengthening healthcare systems.
Dr. Kirwa during a recent visit to Indianapolis
AMPATH plays a critical role in community engagement through clinical outreaches and medical camps in the catchment area enhancing health outcomes in the region and the country at large.
Population Health has impacted communities significantly advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). MTRH upholds healthcare as a right to all.
The long-standing collaboration with Indiana University and other partners has enabled momentous developments in infrastructure, training, research and patient care. Notably, MTRH has evolved to offer specialized healthcare and training programs.
There are several new facilities underway at MTRH—how will they impact the services available?
The new facilities will definitely lead to better services in our catchment population and beyond as well as increasing our capacity in service provision consequently reducing the need for patients seeking services abroad and improved waiting time in access to quality care.
What do you think makes the AMPATH partnership special?
The AMPATH partnership brings together various partners under one umbrella providing collaborative solutions to local challenges through both funding and care in research and healthcare initiatives, particularly in areas such as cancer, cardiology, maternal health, and chronic diseases.
AMPATH partnership has guided the national policies on health in Kenya and provided training opportunities and advancing Human Resources for Health (HRH) through fellowships and skills exchange programs which has significantly reduced the cost of healthcare delivery.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am proud to steer this esteemed institution to greater heights leveraging on collaborations like AMPATH and other like-minded partners to impact humanity.