ISO Certification

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ISO Certification

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare delivery. In line with this commitment, JOOTRH has embarked on a comprehensive journey towards ISO certification, marked by key engagements with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

ISO 9001: Enhancing Overall Quality Management

JOOTRH is actively pursuing ISO 9001 certification for its overarching Quality Management System (QMS). This certification demonstrates our dedication to consistently providing services that meet patient and regulatory requirements, and to continually improve patient satisfaction through the effective application of the system.

For a Level 6A facility in Kenya, achieving ISO 9001 certification signifies a robust commitment to:

  • Standardized Processes: Implementing uniform and efficient processes across all departments, from patient admission to discharge, ensuring consistency in service delivery.
  • Patient-Centric Approach: Placing the patient at the core of all operations, focusing on their needs and striving for continuous improvement in care outcomes.
  • Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks to patient safety and service quality.
  • Continuous Improvement: Establishing a framework for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of all hospital services and operations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to national health regulations and standards set by bodies like the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities in Kenya.
  • Operational Efficiency: Optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste, leading to more efficient service delivery.

    • As a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency, JOOTRH’s pursuit of ISO 9001 underscores our dedication to providing exceptional care. Over the past three months, we have already made significant strides in improving our services, notably by increasing drug availability from 30% to 80%.

    ISO 15189: Elevating Laboratory Services

    To further enhance patient safety and the quality of healthcare services, JOOTRH has taken a significant step in upgrading its ISO 15189:2012 standard certification for medical laboratory services to the newer ISO 15189:2022 standard. Our laboratory was initially accredited in 2018 through a successful partnership with Global Implementation Solution (GIS), which facilitated its accreditation with KENAS (Kenya National Accreditation Service).

    For a Level 6A facility in Kenya, ISO 15189 accreditation of the laboratory is critical as it:

    • Ensures Accuracy and Reliability: Guarantees that laboratory results are consistently accurate, reliable, and timely, which is vital for correct diagnosis and effective patient management in a tertiary hospital setting.
    • Demonstrates Technical Competence: Provides formal recognition of the laboratory’s technical competence, quality management system, and ability to produce valid results.
    • Facilitates Referrals: Builds trust with referring physicians and other healthcare facilities, supporting JOOTRH’s role as a key referral centre.
    • Supports Research and Training: Essential for a teaching and referral hospital, ensuring the quality of data for research and the standards of training for medical students and residents.
    • Boosts International Recognition: Aligns the laboratory with international best practices, enhancing its reputation and potential for collaborations.

    JOOTRH’s laboratory is currently accredited in the following scope:

    • Basic Laboratory
    • Hematology – Full Hemogram
    • Microbiology – GeneXpert, AAFB Microscopy
    • Parasitology – Malaria Microscopy

    In March 2025, JOOTRH’s laboratory successfully confirmed its Quality Management System’s adherence to the ISO 15189:2022 version. We are actively looking forward to expanding the scope of our accreditation to include microbiology culture and sensitivity, histology, and related disciplines.

    By vigorously pursuing and maintaining ISO certifications, JOOTRH is embarking on a transformative phase, assuring continuous improvement in healthcare delivery, excellent clinical outcomes, and the highest standards of quality and safety for all our patients.