By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has made notable progress in the Social Health Authority (SHA) registration process, advancing President Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
According to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Deborah Barasa, the hospital’s commitment to overcoming challenges reflects the resilience needed to build a stronger healthcare system.
Dr. Deborah Barasa assured her full support in addressing the needs of the hospital. She did this on Monday 18th November 2024 when she visited JOOTRH in Kisumu while accompanied by CEO Dr Richard Lesiyampe and Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth.
The Cabinet Secretary conducted a tour of significant areas during the visit, which included the resuscitation and examination rooms, the cancer centre, and the SHA registration centre, assessing their development and effectiveness.
As a leading healthcare facility in western Kenya, JOOTRH boasts a 650-bed capacity, 84 medical consultants, and over 1,000 dedicated staff members.
The hospital provides critical services, delivering 400 babies monthly, managing 10 ICU beds, and addressing the region’s health needs.
Dr Barasa acknowledged the hospital’s efforts to enhance service delivery while highlighting the pressing challenges outlined by CEO Dr Lesiyampe, including the need for radiotherapy equipment to strengthen cancer care and addressing space constraints in chemotherapy and cancer units.
The CS also urged all mothers to register with the Social Health Authority. She encouraged them that at level 1, 2, and selected level 4 facilities, they can access free services for antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care.
“For higher-level care, with a small contribution of up to KSh 300, you’ll also receive services for complications, including care for premature babies,” Dr Barasa added.