By Jabali Media
The elevation process of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) from a level 5 to a level 6A national referral facility is on track.
In March 2025, the cabinet approved the elevation, throwing in place a host of processes to be undertaken before the dream finally becomes a reality.
On Friday, Members of the National Assembly’s departmental committee on health, led by chairperson, Seme Member of Parliament (MP) James Nyikal conducted a crucial fact-finding mission at (JOOTRH), a month after the cabinet’s approval of the facility elevation from level 5 to Level 6A national referral hospital.
Addressing the press after making rounds within the hospital, Dr. Nyikal stressed the importance of understanding the hospital's equipment, staffing, and infrastructure to inform upcoming budget allocations, with JOOTRH management requesting for Sh2.5 billion to support operations between April and June, ahead of the new financial year, which starts on July 01, 2025.
Nyikal said his committee will prioritize stalled projects, including ramp and lift construction, and expedite the gazettement process.
“We also have to think of how the transition will occur. We'll need a committee or a team that sees how it moves from where it is now and becomes a function of the national government,” said the MP.
On some of the infrastructure still under construction at the facility, Nyikal said the process has to be hastened.
JOOTRH's new status. Photo/Courtesy
“For example, there is a cancer center that is there and it has not been completed. When this facility gets 4:36 to that level, we will expect people of the region to get their cancer services from here, not to be transferred.”
“We have seen some wards that are actually almost complete and need very little improvement, such as a lift or a ramp, and then it works. Those are things that can be done quickly. There is equipment that may not be very expensive, which can actually be purchased.”
The third term MP was accompanied by Robert Pukose, former chairman of the health committee and Endebess MP, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, Kilgoris legislature Julius Sunkuli and Kisumu Central lawmaker Joshua Odongo Oron.
Oron said the insights gathered during the mission will inform key recommendations on infrastructure development and budget allocations.
