Kisumu’s healthcare services received a significant boost as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) was elevated to a Level 6 facility and designated as a government parastatal. This upgrade marks a crucial step in improving medical services in the region.
In a statement, JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe hailed the milestone, emphasizing the hospital’s new role as a government entity handling patient referrals from both within and outside Kisumu County. Dr. Lesiyampe announced plans to expand the hospital’s bed capacity to 760 and called for an increase in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) reimbursement rate from Sh3,500 to Sh4,500 per day, reflecting its new status as a Level 6A facility offering specialized care.
JOOTRH also renewed its license from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB), further solidifying its reputation as a leading healthcare and training institution. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o lauded the hospital’s upgrade, noting it fulfilled a key promise he made to improve healthcare in the region.
A gazette notice dated August 30, 2024, grants JOOTRH’s board, chaired by Doris Ombara, greater autonomy in managing its affairs, including structuring its operations, determining rewards, and enforcing sanctions. This autonomy allows the hospital to function more efficiently as it transitions into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), overseeing both clinical and administrative services.
Serving over 10 million people in its catchment area, JOOTRH is the oldest and most developed medical facility in the region. The hospital will continue to provide critical training for healthcare professionals in collaboration with universities and colleges. The Level 6 status will also expand services in oncology, surgery, radiology, and neonatal pediatrics, addressing the growing demand for advanced medical care in the region.
This upgrade comes months after former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha visited the facility, promising to expedite the elevation following appeals from local leaders. The shift is expected to ease the financial burden on Kisumu County while providing JOOTRH with greater access to national resources for improved service delivery.
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