The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is poised to enhance its healthcare service provisions as it transitions to national management by 30th June.
The transition move was kickstarted as per Article 187 of Kenyan Constitution (2010) following the Cabinet’s approval on 11th March.
JOOTRH has subsequently been categorized as a Level 6A health facility, having underwent an assessment by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council (KMPC) and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority (KHPOA).
Established in 1969, and commonly referred to as ‘Russia’, it will tremendously benefit from the development of two key lacking critical services of Radiotherapy and Cardiology.
With the ongoing construction, a fully-fledged Cancer Centre will lessen patient referrals to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for the essential services.
Neonatal Care, Maternal and Child Health Services, and Training and Research capacity will realize major improvements.
It will further improve potential for transplant surgeries post-transition.
During a recent facts-finding mission at JOORTH, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, assessed infrastructure, equipment, service delivery, staffing levels,and financial burdens.
“We will strive to ensure that JOOTRH will benefit from the Social Health Authority (SHA) structured financing model, which accounts for up to 90 percent of the facility’s revenue,” Dr Oluga said.
He reiterated the government’s commitments in cushioning the health sector’s emerging funding gaps due to USAID’s freeze.
Dr Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of JOOTRH, assured of their management readiness for the new status.
“We need more nursing staff to efficiently and effectively serve our ever-growing patients,” he appealed.
On his part, the County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services Public Health and Sanitation (CECM), Dr Gregory Ganda, lauded the elevation process terming it ‘the fulfilment of a long-term vision for Kisumu and the region.’
Dr Oluga was also flanked by the Acting Board Chair, Festus Achilla, and members of the hospital’s executive committee.
A similar visit was recently conducted by the National Assembly Health Committee, led by Hon. Dr. James Nyikal.
He was accompanied by his counterparts Prof Julius Sunkuli, Dr Joshua Oron, Martin Owino, and Robert Pukose.
“We are confident that JOOTRH will establish itself as one of the leading healthcare providers both in the country and beyond.”
In two weeks, there will be a public participation before the issuance of the legal notice.
