Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, visited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) -the Kisumu-based referral facility to review progress on key projects and the ongoing institutional transition aimed at enhancing health service delivery across the Lake Region.
Dr. Oluga, who was received by Acting CEO Joshua Okise, Senior Director of Nursing Teresa Okiri, and Senior Director of Administration and Finance Evans Oloo, toured several departments before convening a briefing with the hospital’s leadership team. The discussions centered on infrastructure upgrades, staffing structures, and the hospital’s alignment with the government’s broader health reform agenda.
One of the central highlights of the visit was the progress of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a flagship project that has received a KSh 100 million allocation from the national government. Dr. Oluga emphasized that the centre’s timely completion is a national priority, noting that once operational, it will transform cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research not only in Kisumu but across western Kenya.
“Our goal is to ensure that patients in this region no longer have to travel long distances to access specialized care,” said Dr. Oluga. “This facility will be a hub for quality, affordable cancer treatment and a boost to our fight against non-communicable diseases.”
The hospital’s ongoing transition process was another key agenda item. Acting CEO Joshua Okise briefed the PS on the finalization of Human Resource (HR) instruments, which are expected to be submitted to the Ministry this week. These documents will streamline staff management, career progression, and accountability structures.
Dr. Oluga confirmed that the appointment of a new hospital board is in its final stages—a move expected to strengthen governance and operational efficiency.
“We want to put in place a strong leadership framework that promotes transparency, professionalism, and results,” he said.
Amid the administrative shifts, the PS reassured JOOTRH staff that their medical cover and welfare benefits remain fully intact during the transition. This assurance, he noted, is critical to maintaining morale and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
“Our healthcare workers are the backbone of the system. Their wellbeing directly impacts the quality of care we provide,” Dr. Oluga affirmed.
JOOTRH positions itself as a center of excellence in referral and teaching services in line with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals. With continued investment in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources, the hospital is poised to become a model of integrated care and innovation in the region.
