By Jabali Media
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), popularly known as Russia is now a parastatal.
This means it has successfully transitioned from a government department, to a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), under the county government of Kisumu, joining the league of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO), and the Kisumu County Public Service Board among others.
While announcing the hospital’s new status on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe called on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to increase the daily bed reimbursement from Sh3,500 to Sh4,500.
He said that JOOTRH is now operating as a Level 6A facility, providing specialised care and services.
“This designation aligns with its Level 6A status and underscores its commitment to providing high-quality care and training medical professionals,” he stated.
Dr. Lesiyampe also outlined the hospital's plans to expand its bed capacity to at least 760 beds, towards meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region.
The new status grants the JOOTRH board, led by former Kisumu City manager Doris Ombara, greater operational autonomy in managing the hospital's affairs, including determining its organisational structure, rewards, and sanctions.
JOOTRH reportedly serves a catchment population of over 10 million people, within the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) which comprises 14 Counties.
As a SAGA, JOOTRH will now operate as a government entity handling referrals from within and outside Kisumu County.
It will also continue to play a vital role in training doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in collaboration with institutions of higher learning across the country.
This move is expected to further enhance the hospital's efficiency and effectiveness.
