In a significant move set to transform the healthcare landscape of Western Kenya, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially begun the formal process to become a fully-fledged Level 6 facility.
This week, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, met with the hospital’s management to initiate a crucial Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). This study marks the essential first step in the hospital’s ambitious upgrade plan, designed to assess the technical, financial, environmental, and social viability of the expansion.
More Than a Name Change: A Commitment to Operational Excellence
During the meeting, Dr. Amoth underscored that the goal is a fundamental transformation, not just a change in title. He emphatically stated, “JOOTRH will not just be known as a Level 6 facility but it will be able to operate as a Level 6 facility.”
He set a clear benchmark for the upgrade, highlighting that the hospital must be elevated “to be at par with” institutions like Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Dr. Amoth also acknowledged the unique nature of this project, noting that JOOTRH is pioneering the path as the first Level 5 facility in Kenya to be upgraded to Level 6.
A Key Focus: Reducing Maternal Mortality
A central objective of this upgrade is to ensure JOOTRH can strategically deliver on its core mandate with a strong focus on excellent clinical outcomes. Dr. Amoth pinpointed a critical area for impact, stating, “This must specifically contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality in the region.”
He further stressed the importance of current, reliable data for evidence-based planning, noting that reliance on a 2019 maternal mortality survey is insufficient for making contemporary decisions.
The Road Ahead
The Ministry of Health team is conducting a three-day intensive deliberation and facility tour to identify existing infrastructure, critical gaps, and key priority areas for intervention. The final document produced from this exercise will be vital for mobilizing resources from the national government and development partners.
This milestone is more than a bureaucratic procedure; it’s a promise of enhanced, high-quality healthcare for the over 10 million people in the Lake Region Economic Bloc, ensuring they can access world-class medical services without traveling far from home.
Traveling to JOOTRH for Medical Services?
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