Africa-focused heart care set to undergo transformation with Bomet's fresh cardiac center establishment
A Medical Marvel in Rural Africa: The AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre
In the heart of Kenya, five kilometres from Bomet town, a medical marvel stands tall - the AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre. This state-of-the-art facility, the largest of its kind in East Africa, is transforming heart care not only in Kenya but across sub-Saharan Africa.
The centre's origins trace back to 2008, when it began as a homegrown cardiothoracic programme. American teams visited Tenwek Hospital to train local doctors, and by 2014, the hospital was independently performing adult cardiac surgeries. In 2018, the hospital launched a fellowship training programme, paving the way for the AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre.
Visionary leadership, innovative fundraising, and a commitment to excellence have driven the centre's development. Dr. Russ White, a seasoned cardiothoracic surgeon at Tenwek Hospital since 1997, spearheaded the project. Initially, a group of cardiac surgeons in the US donated Sh64.7 million (US$500,000) to begin excavation on the challenging terrain that was once a cow pasture. However, funds ran dry, and Dr. White embarked on a mission to secure additional support.
The AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre spans 3.5 acres and boasts 400,000 square feet of built-up area, including five major operating theatres, a catheterization lab, radiology, endoscopy suites, and advanced education facilities. The centre's design prioritizes sustainability and safety, with a 500,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank and a dedicated water treatment plant for water management.
The centre's solar system, a 324.5-kilowatt power source, ensures an uninterrupted electricity supply for up to three hours during outages. The cardiothoracic centre houses cutting-edge medical technology within its four-storey structure, including hyper-filtration ventilation systems to maintain positive air pressure and eliminate airborne microorganisms.
The centre is a hub for education and training, graduating two board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons each year. Plans are in place to increase this number to three. The centre's impact is profound, offering advanced medical services previously inaccessible in the region and serving as a top-tier cardiac surgery and care institution.
The centre's safety features are evident in the fireproof materials on the third floor, providing up to three hours of evacuation time in emergencies. The centre is equipped to handle up to 2,000 heart cases annually, a significant step towards reducing Kenya's long cardiology waitlists.
In 2022, the project received a Sh3.8 billion (US$30 million) pledge from the CEO of Samaritan's Purse. The centre's construction, which took three years, symbolizes the combination of ambition, faith, and innovation in delivering world-class care in rural Africa. Patient testimonials highlight the centre’s role in restoring health and hope, showcasing its life-changing effects for individuals suffering from heart diseases.
The AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre is more than just a medical facility; it is a symbol of hope and progress in heart care across East Africa. Its impact will undoubtedly ripple across the continent, transforming lives and offering a beacon of hope for those affected by heart diseases.
[1] Tenwek Hospital [2] Engineering Ministries International [3] Triad Architects [4] Samaritan's Purse [5] AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre
