Kisumu’s Jaramogi Oginga Hospital elevated to a national referral

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga  at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during the elevation of the facility in Kisumu on September 15, 2025/MOH

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been elevated to a Level C5 parastatal, a status previously reserved for public universities.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga said the shift from county to national status must be felt immediately, urging the management to embrace its new mandate.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga speaks at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during the elevation of the facility in Kisumu on September 15, 2025/MOH

“The elevation is meant to attract and retain skilled health workers while positioning the hospital for financial sustainability,“.Dr Oluga explained

He noted that national referral hospitals will no longer receive tax-based funding within five years.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga discusses with the panel at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during the elevation of the facility in Kisumu on September 15, 2025/MOH

He further emphasised a people-first strategy, prioritising staff welfare, patient safety, and community health.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga looks and assesses the facilities at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during the elevation of the facility in Kisumu on September 15, 2025/MOH

He urged JOOTRH to strengthen follow-up care and develop a public health strategy to address preventable diseases that burden the region.

 Dr Oluga challenged specialists to mentor junior staff and revealed that a new hospital board will be appointed by month’s end.

“This facility is expected to change the story of health in this region,” he said.