Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu/FILE
Elevating the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a national teaching and referral hospital status is a breakthrough for the people of the Western region and Kenya at large.
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of performance and delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, said uplifting the facility will come with a mixed bag of goodies for the region and its residents.
In a statement, Owalo said the move will not only lead to improved services but will also strengthen community health services and create jobs.
“I wish to extend my most sincere appreciation to President William Ruto for the recent decision to elevate JOOTRH to national teaching and referral hospital status,” Owalo said.
The former ICT CS said the decision underscores the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to responsive and inclusive governance, addressing a long-standing request from the region.
“This elevation aligns with the administration’s vision of universal, high-quality, and affordable healthcare for all citizens,” he stated.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet chaired by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi approved the hospital’s promotion. The elevation of JOOTRH marks a transformative milestone in the healthcare landscape of Western Kenya and brings numerous benefits.
The facility, popularly known as Russia Hospital, which has been under the management of the county government of Kisumu, also gained state parastatal status.
This will see the management taken over by the Ministry of Health, a move set to significantly improve healthcare service delivery for both the region and the country at large.
Owalo said the promotion of the facility marks a transformative milestone in the healthcare landscape of Western Kenya and brings numerous benefits.
He said the hospital’s new designation will expand access to specialized medical services, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for advanced treatment and ultimately improving health outcomes.
The transition to national status is expected to attract increased funding and resources, facilitating upgrades in medical infrastructure, technology, and equipment.
“This will enhance the quality of care and ensure that healthcare professionals have the necessary tools to provide exceptional service,” he stated.
Owalo added that with expanded facilities and an increased patient base, the hospital will generate new employment opportunities for healthcare professionals and support staff.
This will contribute to local economic growth and professional development in the health sector.
“The new status will promote collaboration with national institutions and universities, fostering training programs that will enhance the skills and expertise of healthcare workers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of medical advancements,” he reckoned.
The upgrade is expected to drive community-based health programs and outreach initiatives, addressing prevalent health challenges in the region and improving overall public health.
With JOOTRH now recognised as a State Corporation, it will receive additional financial support from the national exchequer, bolstering its capacity to deliver high-quality healthcare services.
Owalo said the region suffers some of the worst health indices in infant, child, and maternal mortality rates, HIV prevalence, and malaria incidences, among other health challenges. Thus, the elevation of the facility will enhance healthcare services, leading to better management of these conditions, improved treatment outcomes, and overall progress in key health indicators for the region.
“We are eagerly anticipating the positive impact of this milestone and remain steadfast in our support of efforts to enhance healthcare access nationwide,” Owalo said.
