NAIROBI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The adoption of Chinese technology has played a significant role in boosting access to healthcare in Kenya, an industry official said on Thursday.
Kanyenje Gakombe, Chairman of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, said that Chinese medical equipment brands are now preferred by most hospitals in Kenya because they are affordable and of high quality.
"By partnering with Chinese medical suppliers, Kenya has been able to set up many more hospitals including in remote areas as the cost of medical equipment is now affordable," Gakombe said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya when Smart Applications launched a virtual mode of medical access, aimed at enhancing patient experience.
Gakombe added that previously hospitals in Kenya relied on medical equipment from Europe and North America which were costly for the local health sector.
"We now source equipment from China which enables us to pass the savings of equipment costs to our patients," he added.
Gakombe observed that numerous Chinese medical equipment manufacturers have developed advanced tools that allow hospitals to provide affordable service while realizing profits.
He revealed that for complex medical machines, after-sales service remains a significant issue. "Many Chinese manufacturers have appointed local distributors and trained engineers to ensure that the medical equipment is functioning properly," Gakombe said. ■