NAIROBI, Kenya — Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged the newly constituted Board of Directors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) to provide visionary leadership as the institution embarks on its expanded mandate as a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
During his first strategic engagement with the new board, chaired by Dr. Charles Olang’o, Duale said the board would play a central role in transforming JOOTRH into a leading centre for specialised healthcare, medical training, research and innovation.
He said the hospital is expected to strengthen referral services for Western Kenya and the wider East African region while easing pressure on national referral facilities.
The meeting also reviewed progress in the implementation of the Government’s health sector reforms under the Taifa Care Model, including the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has enrolled more than 31 million Kenyans.
Duale further noted improvements at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), saying the agency’s order fill rate has increased to 90 per cent as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s medical supply chain.
The Cabinet Secretary also received updates on preparations for the operationalisation of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, which is expected to become Kenya’s first integrated emergency medical coordination system.
Duale urged the board to uphold integrity, accountability and sound corporate governance, stressing that prudent management of public resources and a results-oriented leadership approach would be critical to the hospital’s growth and service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting JOOTRH through continued investment in infrastructure, specialised healthcare services, workforce development, research and innovation to improve access to quality, affordable and people-centred healthcare.
The meeting was attended by the Ministry of Health’s Director of Health Sector Coordination, Dr. Ahmed Albush, the Secretary for Administration in the State Department for Medical Services, James Ntabo, and the National Eye Care Coordinator and Head of the Eye Health Section, Dr. Monicah Bitok.
