By Eileen Dolla

International students continue to heap praise on the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for its innovative approach to patient care.

Benthe VanOosten and Antoinette Klarenbeek, final-year medical students from the Netherlands, are currently undergoing a three-week internship at JOOTRH. The duo, part of a larger group of doctors, expressed their admiration for the hospital’s ability to overcome resource constraints through ingenuity.

“Despite limited surgical equipment compared to hospitals in the Netherlands, the doctors here are incredibly innovative,” said VanOosten. “We’ve observed them sterilizing and reusing equipment to meet urgent needs. This resourcefulness is inspiring.”

The students were also impressed by the high standards of hygiene practiced at JOOTRH, contrasting sharply with the norms in their home country. They commended the doctors’ calm and focused approach to patient care, even in the most challenging situations.

“The doctors here embody the spirit of ‘Hakuna Matata’ while maintaining professionalism,” added Klarenbeek. “Their hands-on approach to treatment and quick decision-making is a valuable lesson for us.”

The Dutch students believe their experience at JOOTRH has significantly enhanced their medical training and encouraged their peers to consider internships at the Kenyan hospital. Annually JOTRH receives about 50 international medical students.