Kiambu: Kiambu Level 5 Hospital’s management, in partnership with Proximie, a global health technology company, has installed advanced telemedicine apparatus in the hospital’s theatre.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Proximie system is a digital surgical platform that enables real-time connection between surgeons in the operating room and remote specialists anywhere in the world. This allows procedures to be observed, guided, and recorded for training and research. The technology enables consultants to provide live mentorship during surgery, improving collaboration among medical teams and enhancing surgical training by creating a library of procedures for continuous learning and quality improvement.
Kiambu CECM for Health, Dr. Elias Maina, who was present during the installation over the weekend, noted that the integration of this innovation allows Kiambu Level 5 Hospital to join a growing network of hospitals globally. These hospitals are leveraging telemedicine to improve surgical outcomes, expand access to expertise in the medical field, and strengthen healthcare delivery through digital transformation. Dr. Maina emphasized that telemedicine reshapes care delivery by connecting patients and medical service providers virtually, serving as a complementary approach that expands access within an already strained system.
Dr. Maina revealed that the County government is already in the process of training health workers, after which members of the public will also be sensitized to take advantage of technological advancements. Kenya’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including an inadequate number of healthcare professionals relative to the population, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of 19 doctors for every 100,000 people, making it difficult for patients in remote areas to receive timely medical attention.
Additionally, many rural hospitals and clinics lack specialized services, requiring patients to travel long distances for treatment. These barriers underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions like telemedicine in expanding healthcare access in Kenya. Through video calls, chat services, and apps, patients can consult with doctors without visiting a hospital, transforming surgical care and training, which is particularly beneficial in remote areas where healthcare facilities are scarce.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the adoption of telemedicine in Kenya, with 83 percent of surveyed doctors noting increased uptake. Looking forward, the focus is on integrating telemedicine into the standard surgical workflow and expanding its use in Level 5 facilities across the county.
