JOOTRH elevation good for region, says Nyong'o

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital Kisumu. [File, Standard]

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has lauded the elevation of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital to a level six facility, terming it a long-awaited milestone in strengthening healthcare services in the region.

Prof Nyong'o said the new status would enhance resource allocation, training capacity and collaboration with national institutions.

"I fought for this ever since I was Minister for Medical Services. A level six hospital has a pull effect on healthcare because, with the national government's involvement, it will receive adequate resources and have better access to national institutions than before," he said.

Elevation of the hospital to a national teaching and referral facility and its establishment as a state corporation was approved by the Cabinet last week.

The upgrade of the facility, established in 1969 in Kisumu town, came after an assessment by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council, Kenya Health Professional Oversight Authority and Nursing Council of Kenya last year.

The Governor said the hospital serves an enormous number of patients from Nyanza and Western regions, including neighbouring countries. It also has more specialised doctors and medical officers.

"The need for training is immense. JOOTRH should not just train its own staff but also medical professionals from across the country. Health workers from other counties should have the opportunity to spend at least six months at JOOTRH, learning from senior peers and registrars," said the Governor.

According to Kenya Health Sector Referral implementation guidelines, the referral system divides services delivery into six levels, based on scope and complexity of services offered. Level six hospitals offer specialised care and training and are managed by the national government.