PS Oluga visits JOOTRH to support elevation to national facility

Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga on Saturday visited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

His visit follows the Cabinet’s approval of the hospital's transition to a national corporation on March 11, 2025.

The visit focused on assessing service delivery, staffing levels, infrastructure, equipment, and financial liabilities to support a smooth transition to national management.

This follows earlier assessments by the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council (KMPC) and the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority (KHPOA), which categorised JOOTRH as a Level 6A facility.

Dr Oluga assured the hospital leadership that the national government will prioritize introducing radiotherapy and cardiology services at JOOTRH — two critical specialties currently missing.

He emphasised the urgent need to fast-track the completion of the Cancer Centre to reduce patient referrals for radiotherapy services to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

The PS also highlighted plans to strengthen maternal and child health services, neonatal care, training, and research capacity at JOOTRH.

He acknowledged the regional disease burden and the impact of USAID funding withdrawal, assuring that the government will bridge emerging funding gaps.

Dr Oluga further committed that JOOTRH will benefit from the Social Health Authority (SHA) structured financing model, which accounts for up to 90% of the hospital’s revenue.

The transition process is anchored in Article 187 of the Kenyan Constitution (2010) and targets full implementation by 30th June 2025.

Dr Richard Lesiyampe, CEO JOOTRH, reaffirmed the hospital’s readiness, noting the need for additional nursing staff alongside the development of radiotherapy and cardiology services.

Dr Gregory Ganda, CECM for Health and Sanitation, welcomed the move, terming it the fulfillment of a long-term vision for Kisumu and the region.

The Principal Secretary was received by Dr Ganda, Acting Board Chair Festus Achilla, and members of the hospital’s executive committee.

JOOTRH now prepares for public participation in the next 14 days ahead of the issuance of the legal notice that will formalize this historic milestone.