KENYA —Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has achieved a significant milestone by being elevated to a Level 6 facility.
This upgrade, announced through a gazette notice dated August 30, 2024, allows JOOTRH to operate as a State parastatal, enhancing its capacity to handle referrals both within Kisumu and beyond.
The elevation marks JOOTRH’s transition from a government department to a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), with this change expected to boost the hospital’s efficiency and effectiveness.
As part of this transition, the recurrent board and hospital management team will also shift to the SAGA framework, further optimizing the hospital’s operations.
This advancement arrives at a crucial time for JOOTRH, which is currently implementing a comprehensive strategic plan and transformative management agenda.
These initiatives aim to improve both administrative and clinical services, reinforcing JOOTRH’s role in the healthcare sector.
JOOTRH now stands alongside other prominent institutions like KIWASSCO and the Kisumu County Public Service Board.
Reflecting on the new SAGA status, JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe announced that the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) will increase the daily bed reimbursement from Ksh 3,500 to Ksh 4,500 per day.
Dr. Lesiyampe emphasized that JOOTRH now functions as a Level 6A facility, offering specialized care and services.
To further cement its position as a leading healthcare provider, JOOTRH has renewed its license with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) to operate as a National Teaching and Referral facility.
This designation aligns with its Level 6A status and highlights its commitment to delivering high-quality care and training medical professionals.
Dr. Lesiyampe also outlined plans to expand JOOTRH’s bed capacity to at least 760 beds to accommodate the region’s growing healthcare needs.
The elevation to SAGA fulfils a promise made by Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Ayang’ Nyong’o during the inauguration of the hospital’s Prime Care amenity wing.
With its new status, JOOTRH’s board, led by Ms. Doris Ombara, will now have greater operational autonomy in managing the hospital’s affairs. This includes the authority to determine the hospital’s organizational structure, as well as its rewards and sanctions.
The gazette notice emphasized JOOTRH’s significance as the oldest and most developed medical facility in the region, serving a catchment population of over 10 million people.
It also authorized the hospital to provide Level 6A services, pending necessary statutory confirmations.
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