Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital/HANDOUTThe Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital's transition into a fully-fledged national parastatal is gaining momentum, with the management assuring staff and patients of uninterrupted services even as critical processes move forward.
Elevated to a level six facility, JOOTRH has entered a crucial phase of its shift from county management to national government oversight, with legal and assets verification teams working round the clock to ensure a seamless handover.
During a briefing on Tuesday evening, JOOTRH chief executive officer Joshua Okise highlighted key milestones achieved during the transition period, noting legal and assets verification teams have been working to ensure a smooth handover.
“We have been able to sustain projects and maintain good clinical outcomes during this transition period,” he said, citing successful procedures and innovations within the facility.
“This is the first public hospital in Kenya to pioneer such procedures. We also conducted a neurosurgical camp where 54 patients underwent operations, thanks to the dedicated neurosurgical team.”
The CEO said several infrastructural and cost-saving developments, including the completion of a ramp connecting to Ward 3B, the refurbishment of oncology and palliative care units set to open today, the installation of solar energy to reduce electricity costs and rainwater harvesting systems to cut water expenses.
Transition committee chairman James Ntabo assured staff their welfare remains central to the process, especially as management shifts to the national government.
“The HR subcommittee has addressed staff concerns, particularly payroll. Workers can now be certain that by Friday, their salaries will be paid directly from the national government,” he said.
Ntabo emphasised the committee is safeguarding all JOOTRH assets including land, vehicles and machinery until the hospital’s official board is constituted.
He said the hospital is expected to operate at the same standards as other level six facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“Some staff contracts are ending as early as next week and with the increase in patient numbers, we will engage the national government to expand the workforce where necessary. Revenue collection has also been growing, showing we are on the right track,” he explained.
The committee further reiterated the hospital is positioning itself to be self-sufficient and to remain a model of excellence in the region and beyond.
“JOOTRH is the pride of this region. With these positive strides, we are confident it will not only compete but also surpass established institutions in the health sector,” Ntabo said.
The hospital’s transition team includes representatives from the national government, Kisumu county, the Public Service Board, and senior finance, planning and legal officers.
