The Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS), a constituent of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), conducted an academic orientation on 30th September 2024 for the inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health and the Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Anaesthesia programs.
The ceremony took place at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital (DFMH) and was presided over by Professor Anne Muigai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs at NDU-K.
In her remarks, Professor Muigai emphasized the importance of this milestone for the College, the National Defence University of Kenya, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) medical fraternity. She acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders in gaining approval from regulatory agencies and encouraged students to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. She reminded them that nursing requires empathy and commitment, essential qualities for their professional success.
Expressing appreciation to the Directorate of Medical Services for its role in establishing the program, Professor Muigai assured that NDU-K would ensure the students were well-prepared to serve the KDF upon graduation.
Brigadier (Dr.) Muithya Ngundo, Chief of Medical Services and Chair of the College Control Board, praised the students for their selection from a large pool of applicants and encouraged them to value their educational sponsorship.
NDU-K Director of Examinations, Brigadier Elizabeth Omollo, also stressed the importance of integrity, discipline, and selflessness for the students’ success.
Colonel (Dr.) Margaret Wambui, Principal of the College, affirmed the College’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment to equip students with the necessary technical skills in their fields. The inaugural classes consist of 13 Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health students and 8 Clinical Officers enrolled in the Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Anaesthesia, all drawn from various KDF Services – Army, Air Force, and Navy.
DCHS, a College of National Defence University-Kenya, offers a variety of medical programs, including diplomas in Community Health Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Clinical Medicine, and Surgery in Anaesthesia.
The orientation event was attended by notable guests, including Brigadier John Khaoya, Commandant of DFMH; Colonel John Mnjala, Chief Nursing Officer at DFMH; Colonel Hellen Kamotho, former Principal of DCHS and current Chief Nursing Officer at Nairobi Regional Hospital; Colonel Julius Githinji, Chief of Anaesthesia Representative at DFMH; Dr. Stephen Mailu, Registrar of NDU-K; Dr. Scholastika Mathenge, DCHS Lecturer; Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Mwaura, Deputy Principal and Chief Instructor at DCHS; and Dr. Duncan Anangwe, Head of Program at DCHS, among other faculty and staff.
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