KISUMU, Kenya – Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been elevated to a Level C5 parastatal, marking a historic milestone in Kenya’s health sector.
The upgrade — a status previously reserved for public universities — was announced by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga during a visit to the Kisumu-based facility.
Dr. Oluga said the change from county to national status must be felt immediately, urging the hospital’s leadership to align with its expanded mandate.
“This facility is expected to change the story of health in this region,” he said, adding that the hospital’s new position is designed to attract and retain highly skilled health professionals.
𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐑𝐇 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝟓 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥, 𝐔𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been elevated to a Level C5 parastatal, a status previously reserved
The PS noted that within five years, national referral hospitals will transition away from tax-based funding, stressing the need for financial sustainability.
He urged JOOTRH to diversify revenue sources through clinical research, competitive grant writing, and the establishment of a modern simulation centre to enhance training while generating income.
Dr. Oluga further emphasized a people-first strategy focused on staff welfare, patient safety, and preventive healthcare.
He called for stronger follow-up care systems and community health interventions to curb preventable diseases that weigh heavily on the region.
He also challenged senior specialists to mentor younger medics and disclosed that a new hospital board would be appointed by the end of the month.
The elevation is seen as a significant step in positioning JOOTRH as a regional centre of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.
