Kisumu's healthcare landscape has received a significant boost with the elevation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to a Level 6 facility, placing it on par with Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the region, enhancing its capacity to provide specialized medical care and training.
The elevation to Level 6 status means JOOTRH will now operate as a national referral hospital, offering advanced medical services and specialized care. This upgrade is expected to alleviate the financial burden on Kisumu County, as the hospital will now have increased access to national resources.
Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, hailed this achievement as a transformative step for the hospital. "We are now implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance our administrative and clinical services," he said. Dr. Lesiyampe also urged the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to increase the daily bed reimbursement rate from KSh 3,500 to KSh 4,500 to support the hospital's expanded services.
The hospital plans to expand its bed capacity to at least 760 beds, ensuring it can meet the growing healthcare needs of the region. Recently, JOOTRH renewed its license from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB), further solidifying its position as a leading healthcare provider and a national teaching and referral facility.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o noted that the elevation of JOOTRH to parastatal status fulfills a promise he made to the people of Kisumu. In a gazette notice dated August 30, 2024, Governor Nyong'o highlighted that the new status grants the JOOTRH board greater operational autonomy in managing the hospital's affairs, including determining its organizational structure, rewards, and sanctions.
The hospital will continue to play a vital role in training doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in collaboration with institutions of higher learning. The upgrade to Level 6 status is also expected to enhance the hospital's services in oncology, neonatal pediatrics, surgery, and radiology, among others.
This development comes just months after former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha inspected the facility alongside other leaders from Kisumu and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB). The elevation of JOOTRH to Level 6 status underscores its significance as the oldest and most developed medical facility in the region, serving a catchment population of over 10 million people.
As JOOTRH transitions into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), it will oversee both administrative and clinical services, ensuring the hospital continues to provide high-quality care to the region's residents.