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Sun, Nov

Kisumu County pushes for patient-centred care

Health stakeholders during a session. Photo/KC

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By Kisumu County

The County government of Kisumu is poised to launch a comprehensive referral strategy, aimed at strengthening its healthcare system and improving patient outcomes.

The draft strategy, currently in the final stages of validation, was a key focus of a recent meeting held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Stakeholders in the county's healthcare sector gathered at the validation meeting, emphasising the importance of patient-centred care.

Dr. Ojwang' Lusi, Kisumu County Chief Officer for Health, lauded the efforts of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which plays a crucial role in coordinating referrals.

He highlighted the need for prioritising patients during the dispensing process, regardless of whether they come from public or private facilities.

"Every patient must be served with utmost care and dedication at all times," Dr. Lusi said.

The new referral strategy, according to Zachary Oketch, the County Referral Coordinator, promises to enhance access to services across all six levels of healthcare within the county.

"We'll be able to strengthen our referral systems and, in the process, reverse any declining health indicators," he said.

Dr. Richard Leisyampe, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, welcomed the referral strategy as a solution to the facility's overwhelming patient load.

He addressed the importance of the validation exercise in ensuring the strategy's successful implementation in the near future.

Drafted in 2022, the County Referral Strategy seeks to establish a well-coordinated system for ambulatory services.

Key highlights include the implementation of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for referrals, fostering research and innovation, and establishing clear referral protocols to ensure continuity of care during patient transfers.