Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held his first strategic meeting with the newly appointed Board of Directors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), outlining the Government’s expectations as the institution embarks on its expanded mandate as a Level 6 Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The meeting, chaired by the Board’s Chairperson Dr. Charles Olang’o, focused on the hospital’s future role in strengthening specialised healthcare, medical training, research and innovation while improving referral services across Western Kenya and the wider East African region.
Duale said the Board would be instrumental in guiding the hospital’s transformation into a leading referral and teaching institution, helping reduce pressure on Kenya’s national referral hospitals through expanded specialised services.
Beyond the hospital’s new mandate, the meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing reforms under the Taifa Care Model, with the Cabinet Secretary highlighting key milestones in the Government’s health agenda.
Among them is the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has so far enrolled more than 31 million Kenyans.
In addition, the meeting discussed reforms in the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) whereby the order fill rate has increased to 90 per cent and also the preparation for the establishment of the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, which will be the country’s first integrated emergency medical coordination system.
Duale called on the recently appointed Board to give the hospital responsible and accountable leadership, adding that the future of JOOTRH depends on good corporate governance, effective use of public funds, and provision of quality healthcare services.
He directed the Board to lead the hospital in an honorable way while focusing on results-oriented activities that help the institution to develop into a center of excellence in the field of health care, training, and research.
The CS once again reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the JOOTRH by investing in health infrastructure, specialized healthcare services, development of healthcare workforces, research and innovations.
He noted that such investments are geared towards making sure that Kenyans get access to quality and affordable health care services as the country works towards universal health coverage.
Among others in attendance were the Director of Health Sector Coordination in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ahmed Albush, the Secretary for Administration in the State Department for Medical Services, James Ntabo, and the National Eye Care Coordinator and Head of the Eye Health Section, Dr. Monicah Bitok.