Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching And Referral Hospital Elevated To Level 6, Given Parastatal Status

• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been upgraded to a Level 6A facility and granted parastatal status, enhancing its service delivery
• CEO Richard Lesiyampe announced plans to expand the hospital’s bed capacity to 760 and called on the NHIF to increase the daily bed reimbursement rate
• The hospital also renewed its licence with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB), reinforcing its role as a leading teaching and referral facility
• Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o praised the elevation as a fulfilment of his promise, with the hospital's board now having greater control over its operations

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kisumu - The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially been elevated to a Level 6A facility and granted parastatal status.

Richard Lesiyampe, the hospital's chief executive officer, announced that this transition from a government entity to a parastatal would enhance service delivery.

Lesiyampe said the hospital had embarked on implementing a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at improving both administrative and clinical services.

He urged the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to raise the daily bed reimbursement rate to support this transition.

"I want to call upon the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to increase the daily bed reimbursement from KSh 3,500 to KSh 4,500 per day," he said.

The hospital will now operate as a Level 6A facility, offering specialised care and services as Lesiyampe revealed plans to expand the hospital's bed capacity to at least 760 beds to serve the region.

JOOTRH to continue teaching new medics

In addition to the elevation, JOOTRH renewed its licence with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB).

Lesiyampe said this underscores the facility's status as a leading national teaching and referral facility and its commitment to high-quality care and medical training.

"This designation aligns with its Level 6A status and underscores its commitment to providing high-quality care and training medical professionals," he added.

Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o welcomed the elevation, noting that it was a fulfilment of a promise he made.

In a gazette notice dated Friday, August 30, the JOOTRH has been granted greater operational autonomy.

The hospital’s board, led by Doris Ombara, has increased control over its structure, rewards, and sanctions.

Kisumu medics arrested for stealing mosquito nets

In a separate incident, police in Kisumu arrested three hospital employees linked to the theft of 17,000 mosquito nets at Rabuor Sub-County Hospital.

Theresa Anyango Otieno, acting officer in charge at Rabuor sub-county hospital; Cynthia Akinyi, acting officer in charge of net distribution at Nyang’ande area; and David Ouma, the officer in charge at Nyang’ande hospital, were all arrested.

According to Kisumu county police commander Samuel Anampiu, the three were connected to the missing 181 bales from Nyang’ande Hospital and another 160 bales from Rabuor Hospital, each bale containing 50 nets.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.