Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital secures parastatal status

Nyanza's foremost referral hospital has been upgraded to a level six centre.

Popularly known as Russia Hospital, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu serves a population of 10 million people in the lake region and beyond.

It will now operate as a parastatal under the Kisumu government.

This elevation grants the hospital greater autonomy and sets the stage for enhanced service delivery and administrative efficiency.

JOOTRH has consequently positioned itself as a central pillar in the healthcare systems across the region.

The transition, announced by the hospital CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe, aligns with the strategic plan and transformative management agenda.

With its new status, JOOTRH will provide specialised care and services to a catchment population of over 10 million.

Lesiyampe said the hospital recently renewed its license from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board, further solidifying its position as a leading national teaching and referral facility.

As part of its growth plan, the CEO said JOOTRH will expand its capacity to at least 760 beds to meet the growing healthcare demands.

"I also want to call on the National Hospital Insurance Fund to increase the daily bed reimbursement from Sh3500 to 4600," he said reflecting the hospital's enhanced capabilities.  

The elevation of JOOTRH to parastatal status fulfilled a promise made by Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o during the opening of the hospital's Prime Care amenity wing.

This new status grants the JOOTRH board, led by Doris Ombara, greater operational autonomy in managing hospital affairs, including determining its organisational structure, rewards and sanctions.

The gazette notice dated August 30 officially confirmed JOOTRH as the oldest and most developed medical facility.

It also approved the hospital to provide Level 6A services pending further statutory conformations.

JOOTRH plans to expand its healthcare offerings by establishing specialised centre for oncology, neonatal paediatrics, surgery and radiology.

The transition into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency is expected to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,  ensuring it plays a vital role in training doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in collaboration with institutions of Higher learning such as the University of Nairobi, Maseno and Uzima.

Its elevation follows suggestions that it should be upgraded and taken over by the national government for adequate funding.