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The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, visited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) following the Cabinet’s approval of its transition to a level 6 facility.
The cabinet approved to transition JOORHT to a national corporation on 11th March 2025.
Dr Oluga's visit focused on assessing service delivery, staffing levels, infrastructure, equipment, and financial liabilities to support a smooth transition to national management.
Transition of the facility to a national referral 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 prioritise 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.
During the visit, Oluga acknowledged the regional disease burden and the impact of USAID funding withdrawal, assuring that the government will bridge emerging funding gaps.
Further, the PS said that JOOTRH will benefit from the Social Health Authority (SHA) structured financing model, which accounts for up to 90 percent of the hospital’s revenue.
"JOOTRH's transition to a national corporation will be supported by Social Health Authority (SHA) structured funding, ensuring sustainable healthcare financing for the facility's continued growth," said Oluga during his visit.
He added, “The national government is committed to enhancing service delivery at JOOTRH, with a focus on introducing critical services such as radiotherapy and cardiology to reduce patient referrals to other facilities.”
The transition process is anchored in Article 187 of the Kenyan Constitution (2010) and targets full implementation by 30th June 2025.
The facility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO JOOTRH, on his part, reaffirmed the hospital’s readiness, noting the need for additional nursing staff alongside the development of radiotherapy and cardiology services.
"We are fully prepared for this transition, but we also recognize the need for additional nursing staff to meet the demands of our expanding services," saud Lesiyampe.
Also in attendance was Kisumu County health executive Dr. Gregory Ganda, who welcomed the transition, terming it the fulfillment of a long-term vision for Kisumu and the region.
Oluga 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.
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