The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is undergoing a transformative operational overhaul to address the growing healthcare demands in the Lake region. Recently elevated to Level Six status and designated as a government parastatal, JOOTRH is undergoing significant changes to enhance its capacity to deliver specialized, high-quality healthcare services.
Kisumu County Health Executive Gregory Ganda highlighted that the hospital focuses on strengthening its surgical operations to provide comprehensive specialized care across the region. “The objective is to have our surgical department reactivated and improved upon. To actualize the dream, we aim to perform more advanced surgical procedures here at Jaramogi Hospital,” Ganda said.
With 11 operational theatres, including general, emergency, and maternity units, JOOTRH is well-positioned to become a premier surgical centre. Ganda further noted that health workers, including doctors, are being trained in specialized care to prepare them for their expanded roles.
The facility is also collaborating with higher learning institutions to play a pivotal role in training healthcare professionals for the region. “By offering training opportunities, we ensure our healthcare staff are up-to-date, creating a strong and competent health workforce,” Ganda emphasized.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Lesiyampe provided an update on the hospital’s ambitious facelift project, which includes doubling bed capacity and increasing the number of theatres to accommodate more patients seeking specialized care.
“We are increasing the number of our theatres and ensuring adequate space to conduct surgeries. Additionally, more dialysis equipment has been installed to manage specialized conditions,” Dr. Lesiyampe disclosed.
He also noted the installation of modern equipment in the hospital’s theatres, which will facilitate complex procedures in surgery and oncology. “We are also building our human capacity to effectively handle the expansive scope of our services,” he added.
This expansion initiative underscores JOOTRH’s commitment to becoming a leading healthcare institution, providing state-of-the-art medical services and contributing significantly to the region’s health sector development.
