By Dorothy Musyoka
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has officially transitioned from county management to the national government,
According to the ministry of health, this follows the recent elevation of the hospital to Level 6A status and the appointment of Dr. Olang’o Onudi as the Non-Executive Board Chairperson.
The handover was presided over by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga who concluded his working tour of the facility by overseeing the formal transfer of management following the hospital’s recent elevation to Level 6A status.
The PS commended the county government for its past investments in the facility but affirmed that the scale of transformation required at JOOTRH is best achieved under national oversight.
He explained that national-level governance brings stronger systems, predictable financing, and long-term planning.
He further announced that the hospital is set for major upgrades to meet national referral standards.
The shift, he noted, aligns with the government’s agenda to improve healthcare systems in the country.
“This shift, he said, is part of the broader national agenda to improve health outcomes and drive the Bottom-Up transformation of the sector,” stated the PS.
He called for renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement, noting that meaningful progress requires both effort and the right mindset.
The PS reiterated the government’s commitment to developing JOOTRH into a modern, efficient and high-performing national referral facility capable of delivering healthcare services to Kenyans.
The transition process was spearheaded by a dedicated committee led by Mr. James Ntabo, Secretary Administration at the Ministry of Health.
With the elevation, JOOTRH now joins the ranks of national referral hospitals, a move expected to significantly strengthen specialized healthcare delivery in the Nyanza and Western regions.