On 11th February 2022, we officially launch the Africa Medical Equipment Facility in Kenya by IFC – International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with Kenya Healthcare Federation at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi.
International Finance Corporation (IFC) is partnering with African Financial Institutions and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) to support small and medium sized healthcare organizations in East and West Africa to secure local currency loans to purchase required medical equipment. The Africa Medical Equipment Facility (‘AMEF’) aims to improve healthcare delivery by enabling hospitals, clinics, pathology labs and diagnostic imaging centers to acquire equipment to improve the quality and reliability of healthcare provided.
The launch event brought together small and medium-sized healthcare operators, financial institutions and OEM’s to engage in dialogue on challenges they have experienced around medical equipment planning, procurement and maintenance and what is needed to improve this process.
Opening remarks were done by IFC Country Manager, Amena Arif. She thanked IFC – International Finance Corporation for the advisory services they offer such as upgrading medical equipment to improve healthcare delivery and secure local currency loans to purchase the required equipment.
IFC – International Finance Corporation Investment Officer, Kevin Berkane introduced what Africa Medical Equipment Facility is and how it works. AMEF is a program in partnership with Co-operative Bank of Kenya, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and KARL STORZ. This program will increase access and availability of medical equipment and associated services in 9 countries in West and East Africa. Various training will be done in regard to AMEF program such as; Health/SMEs Credit Management, Medical Equipment Financing, Financial Management and Medical Equipment Procurement.
Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Head of Corporate Banking, Mrs. Angela Muga spoke about Africa Medical Equipment Facility Product Features and Benefits. The target audience for these features are Healthcare providers including clinics, hospitals, medical imaging centers and laboratories.
IFC – International Finance Corporation Advisory, Faith Muigai,MSN,RN,CNRN moderated a panel discussion regarding the Original Equipment Manufactures: Accessing Equipment, Services and Technical Support. The Panel also included; Philips, Country Manager, Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira MD, MMed(Anaesth), MBA, Crown Healthcare Kenya, Head of Sales & Marketing, Thomas Kitonga and GE Healthcare, Regional Projects Director, Alexander Oketch.
City Eye Hospital CEO, Dr. Kibata Githeko made a passionate discussion on the Private Sector Challenges and Opportunities in Medical Equipment Procurement. He emphasized, “Look at a doctor’s passion and skill and consider that in Healthcare Financing; Let us build the capacity of doctors and believe in their skills. I thank Co-operative Bank for believing in me.”
IFC – International Finance Corporation Healthcare Advisory, Dr. Joseph E. Williamson R.D.M.S. introduced the AMEF HSME Training Program emphasizing in Planning and Procurement Medical Equipment. He mentioned the Key Healthcare Drivers such as Provide Consistent High-Quality Patient Care, Adhering to Organizational Standards, Economics and carefully Streamlining Patient Care. The 3 main core goals of the AMEF HSME Training Program include; Identifying medical equipment risks based on basic knowledge of specific equipment, identifying assessment measures to mitigate risks in lending for medical equipment purchases and exploring the components of the ME Assessment.
IFC – International Finance Corporation Operations Analyst, Leen Aghabi (لين أغابي) discussed the AMEF HSME Training Program in the basis of Financial Management whereby it helps strengthen Financial Institutions understanding of lending to the Healthcare sector and enhance Healthcare SMEs’ capacity in financial management and medical equipment planning.
Kenya Healthcare Federation CEO, Dr. Anastasia Nyalita made the closing remarks with a vote of thanks to the IFC – International Finance Corporation, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and KARL STORZ among all Health Sector players from the Private and Public Sector for attending the Africa Medical Equipment Facility and making it a success launch event.
Read the Full and detailed report here.