Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu County has been upgraded to a level six facility. Commonly known as ‘Russia Hospital,’ this key institution, which serves a population of 10 million people in the lake region and beyond, will now operate as a parastatal under the Kisumu County government.
According to a gazette notice dated August 20, 2024, the hospital will function as a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), managing referral cases from Kisumu County and surrounding areas. This new designation grants the JOOTRH board operational autonomy, allowing it to determine the hospital’s organizational structure and services.
This development comes as the facility, which has faced financial challenges due to the large population it serves, awaits the necessary paperwork for national government takeover to improve service delivery. Currently, the hospital relies on its own revenue, donor funds, and allocations from the Kisumu County Government, despite serving more than 10 counties.
The upgraded status is expected to attract additional funding and enhance National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) bed reimbursement. JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Richard Lesiyampe described the upgrade as crucial for implementing the hospital’s strategic plan and transformative agenda. He noted that the hospital, now licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) as a level 6A facility, is providing specialized care and services. Plans are also underway to expand its bed capacity to 760, positioning it as one of the leading teaching and referral hospitals in the country.
