JOOTRH Elevated to Level C5 Parastatal, Ushering in a New Era of Health Reform
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฎ, ๐๐๐ง๐ฒ๐ - ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially been elevated to a Level C5 parastatal, a classification previously reserved for public universities. The announcement, madeย ย by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga during a visit to the facility, marks a new chapter for the hospital with both expanded privileges and immense responsibilities.
In his address, Dr. Oluga underscored the importance of embracing this change in mindset, noting that although the formal transition from county to national status is still underway, the practical reality must now be felt on the ground. โYou are no longer a county government hospital,โ he stated, urging the management to adopt the discipline and vision expected of a national institution. The PS explained that the elevation is designed not only to enhance prestige but also to attract and retain skilled health workers, a key factor in improving clinical outcomes.
He further revealed that the National Treasury has indicated tax-based funding for national referral hospitals will be phased out within the next five years, making financial sustainability essential. โRevenue is a key pillar in our hospital reform,โ Dr. Oluga said, calling on the hospital to innovate in its operations. He highlighted the need to strengthen clinical research by moving from passive participation in externally-driven studies to initiating its own research programmes that improve clinical outcomes while generating income. He also encouraged JOOTRH to embed grant-writing into its strategy to secure programmatic funding traditionally allocated to NGOs, and to establish a state-of-the-art simulation centre to improve healthcare training and serve as a revenue-generating hub.
Beyond finances, Dr. Oluga stressed the importance of a people-first strategy that prioritizes the well-being of staff, patients, and the community. He called for stronger clinical governance with a focus on patient safety, patient experience, and clinical effectiveness, cautioning that service delivery must go beyond processes and equipment to restoring health and dignity. Citing a recent accident where casualties were treated but their long-term outcomes were not tracked, he urged the hospital to strengthen follow-up care. He also called for a deliberate public health strategy that engages communities to address the root causes of preventable diseases, warning that without such efforts, the hospital risked being overwhelmed.
The PS concluded by challenging specialists and consultants at JOOTRH to take a more active role in mentoring junior staff and building capacity across the health system. He announced that a new board, carefully selected to add value, will be in place by the end of the month to steer the hospitalโs new direction. โThis facility is expected to change the story of health in this region,โ Dr. Oluga said, setting a high bar for JOOTRHโs future as a centre of excellence in healthcare, research, and community impact.