Participants during the development of the Diploma program in Emergency Medical Technology (AEMT) at KMTC, Mombasa.
The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Paramedic Expert, Dr. Tecla Sum has participated in the development and rolling out of the Diploma program in Emergency Medical Technology (AEMT) for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). This was evident during an intensive one-week program development exercise that took place at the KMTC Mombasa campus, from 6th to 9th February 2023.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Sum, who is also the Chairperson of the Department of Paramedic Science, stressed the need of having a pool of experienced emergency managers who are well-trained and equipped for their tasks.
“In the wake of the horrifying earthquake in North West Syria that has seen the death toll rise to over 1930 and over 3500 casualties with severe injuries, the burden of response and recovery remains towering to all nations. The disaster-stricken countries are in dire need of rescue personnel support in the evacuation, treatment, and recovery process,” said Dr. Sum.
Further, she pointed out that there is a need to support other Universities to train and provide sufficient academic ascending platforms for this diploma program, acknowledging that the success of the exercise will give MMUST a rich pool to draw its Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Science students. Dr. Sum thanked the University Management for the unwavering support.
Dr. Tecla Sum (left) together with other key personalities.
The KMTC fraternity, led by the Alternate Director to the Chief Executive Officer- Ms. Lucy Waweru noted with gratitude that they were delighted to have MMUST, the mother institution in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training in Kenya, spearhead and support the process.
The exercise attracted other scholars from different institutions and bodies including Mr. Dennis Muthigi and Mr. Samson Mwambole of the Kenya Council of Emergency Medical Technology (KCEMT); Dr. Yusuf Nyakinda of the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF); the Principals from various KMTCs in Kenya; Deputy Registrars, Students Affairs and Curriculum, Ms. Grace Mwangi and Mr. David Wafula respectively; Head of Quality Assurance, Ms. Lucy Kuria. The National Youth Service (NYS) was represented by the Director, Mr. Mike Njagi, and Kenya National Qualification Authority (KNQA), Ms. Rita Mudza.
Notably, the validation of the program is set for March 2023, in the presence of our leadership from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE). Certainly, MMUST is flying its flag high both nationally and internationally as the pioneer University in Africa in training Trauma and Emergency personnel.
By Linet Owuor and Caren Nekesa
