JOOTRH gains National Referral Hospital Status

KENYA— The Kenyan Cabinet has officially upgraded the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to the status of a State Corporation.

This decision follows its upgrade to a Level 6 facility in September 2024, which allowed JOOTRH to function as a state parastatal and greatly enhanced its capacity to manage referrals both within Kisumu and beyond.

This recent cabinet resolution positions JOOTRH among the top referral hospitals in the country, joining the ranks of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).

With its new designation, JOOTRH is set to offer advanced specialized healthcare services, ultimately improving the welfare of its staff.

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the hospital’s CEO, noted that this elevation will bring several advantages to staff, including improved compensation that acknowledges their hard work and aligns with national standards.

The change also presents opportunities for job promotions, enabling employees to further their careers and step into leadership positions as the hospital grows. 

Moreover, casual and contract workers can look forward to more stable employment, with permanent and pensionable positions now becoming available.

This shift ensures job security and a better quality of life for those who have previously been on short-term contracts.

Dr. Lesiyampe took a moment to recognize the long-serving staff who have shown unwavering dedication to JOOTRH, often working for minimal pay, commending their resilience and commitment.

He expressed optimism for a brighter future, as long-serving employees anticipate improved compensation, greater opportunities for career advancement, and better working conditions.

 This change aims to enhance the overall working environment by addressing the needs of all staff members—from healthcare professionals to support teams.

In addition to boosting employee welfare, JOOTRH has plans to extend its services to reach a broader community.

A key part of their community engagement strategy includes establishing satellite clinics at the grassroots level, which will make healthcare services more accessible and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.

To manage the anticipated increase in demand, JOOTRH also plans to hire additional staff, which will help alleviate workloads and enhance the quality of healthcare services provided.

The elevation opens the door for the introduction and improvement of critical medical services

 Although JOOTRH already offers a wide range of specialties, it is gearing up to develop cardiac transplant and radiotherapy services—two essential facilities currently lacking.

These specialized treatments will soon be available with this enhanced status, enabling the hospital to offer comprehensive care that improves patient outcomes.

Moreover, staff will have access to advanced training programs, which will equip them with the latest medical techniques and knowledge.

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