Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is ready for a national status.

 On Saturday, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga visited the facility, accompanied by other officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH) to assess its readiness for the transition to a national corporation.

Dr Oluga gave it a clean bill of health, saying it was suitable to become a national corporation. JOOTRH serves patients across 10 counties in the Lake Region.

 “However, I have to emphasise that there is an urgent need to fast-track the completion of the Cancer Centre to reduce patient referrals for radiotherapy services to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret,” said the PS.

 While assuring the hospital leadership that the national government is keen on seeing the facility serving more patients with chronic illnesses, Oluga noted that the introduction of radiotherapy and cardiology services at JOOTRH, are two critical specialities currently missing.

The facility is owed over Sh100 million in unsettled claims by the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

 Oluga’s visit to the health facility comes hot on the heels of a Cabinet approval of its transition to a national corporation on March 11, 2025.

In March 2024, the national government embarked on taking over the. A year later, in March 2005, the Cabinet approved the elevation of JOOTRH to a national referral Hospital.

 “There are plans to strengthen maternal and child health services, neonatal care, training, and research capacity at JOOTRH,” he said.

Present were County Health Executive Greg Ganda and the hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Lesiyampe.

He acknowledged the regional disease burden and the impact of USAID funding withdrawal, assuring that the government will bridge emerging financing gaps.

National Assembly Committee on Health led by Seme MP James Nyikal has called for fast-tracking of stalled projects at the facility to pave the way for a smooth transition to a state corporation.

The MoH delegation also focused on assessing service delivery, stafing levels, infrastructure, equipment, and financial liabilities to support a smooth transition to national management. Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, reafrmed the hospital’s readiness, noting the need for additional nursing staff and development of radiotherapy and cardiology services.

JOOTRH now prepares for public participation in the next 14 days ahead of the issuance of the legal notice that will formalise this historic milestone