JOOTRH Elevated to Level C5 Parastatal, Set to Transform Health Services

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga  at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during the elevation of the facility in Kisumu on September 15, 2025/MOH

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially been elevated to a Level C5 parastatal, a designation previously reserved for public universities.

The announcement was made on Monday by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga during a visit to the Kisumu-based facility.

He said the upgrade marks a shift from county to national status, calling on the hospital’s leadership to embrace the new mandate without delay.

“The elevation is expected to attract and retain skilled health workers while positioning the hospital for financial sustainability. Within the next five years, national referral hospitals will no longer receive tax-based funding,” Oluga explained.

He called for diversification of revenue through clinical research, grant-writing, and the establishment of a modern simulation centre to improve training while generating income.

He emphasized a people-first strategy, prioritizing staff welfare, patient safety, and community health.

He urged JOOTRH to strengthen follow-up care and develop a public health strategy to address preventable diseases that burden the region.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga tours and inspects Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital during its elevation in Kisumu on September 15, 2025 / MOH

Oluga challenged specialists to mentor junior staff and revealed that a new hospital board will be appointed by the end of the month.

“This facility is expected to change the story of health in this region,” he said.

The elevation to a Level C5 parastatal comes with significant advantages for JOOTRH as it grants the hospital greater autonomy in decision-making and resource management, enabling it to function with independence similar to that of national universities.

With this status, JOOTRH is expected to attract top specialists and researchers, improve staff recruitment and retention, and open opportunities for international funding and partnerships.

The new mandate also allows the facility to diversify its revenue through research, innovation, and specialized training programs.

This shift reduces dependence on government allocations and ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Most importantly, the hospital is now better positioned to expand healthcare services, strengthen mentorship and training for young medics, and enhance patient care, ultimately transforming JOOTRH into a leading regional hub for medical excellence.