The Ministry of Health has launched a new approach that aims at bringing medical services nearer to the people of Kisumu with the establishment of the JOOTRH Mashinani Program on Thursday.
Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga, launched the project at a visit to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. According to Dr. Oluga, the project will reduce congestion at the referral hospital because it tackles health problems at an early stage and thus serves people who live in remote areas.
“This programme aims at reaching people exactly where they are and making sure that no one is left behind as far as medical services are concerned,” he said at the launch.
The Mashinani programme will make use of an outreach bus that will offer services ranging from screening and treatment.
At the same event, Dr. Oluga outlined an ambitious plan for the digital transformation of JOOTRH, thus initiating efforts for fully automated hospital operations.
The changes bring with them intelligent systems within patient medical records, billing systems, admission systems, and medical procedures. All these changes will reduce waiting times.
To enhance sustainability, the PS also launched projects on rainwater harvesting and solarisation of the Outpatient Department.
According to hospital officials, it will enable them to get a stable water supply and cut energy costs so that operations are not disrupted due to water shortages.
Dr. Oluga also oversaw the restart of operations at the renovated Oncology and Palliative Care Clinic, with renovated facilities that have been put into use with a focus on more dignified and compassionate care for cancer patients and their loved ones.
During his tour, the PS took time to engage with staff and patients from various departments as he sought their views on some of the challenges they encounter and the effects of some of the reforms that have been taking place.
The new programmes were introduced months after the control ofJOOTRH was transferred from the county governments to the control of the national government. Prior to recent developments, the hospital had been promoted to offer services at level 6A, with President William Ruto appointing Dr. Olang’o Onudi as Non-Executive Board Chairperson.
