By Lorraine Anyango and Sherine Atieno.

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Board and Executive Committee concluded a three-day forum that marked a significant milestone in the hospital’s governance and operational framework. Following the hospital’s recent upgrade, members established new reforms and strategies to enhance service delivery, efficiency, and alignment with JOOTRH’s role as a county parastatal.

As a county corporate entity, JOOTRH is now poised to benefit from increased autonomy to drive healthcare solutions across Kisumu and beyond. To facilitate this transition, the board approved a new Act that will grant the hospital greater operational independence.

During the forum, the board adopted several key policies to ensure effective governance and operations. These policies include a Board Charter, Risk Management Guidelines, Whistleblower Policy, ICT Framework, and Conflict Management Procedures. This robust governance structure will support transparency, accountability, and proactive risk management.

In addition, the JOOTRH Strategy 2024-2029 was approved, with plans to launch it by November 2024. This comprehensive strategy will guide the hospital through the next five years, ensuring a focused approach to enhancing clinical outcomes and prioritizing patient care.

The forum also addressed the integration and implementation of new laws and guidelines under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This alignment with national health reforms aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare while ensuring accessibility for all. To support the hospital’s staff, the board approved medical insurance coverage for both the Board members and contracted staff.

To streamline operations and enhance specialization, four sub-committees were established, each tasked with overseeing specific areas of hospital governance. These committees include Clinical, Research & Quality, Audit, Risk Management & Compliance, Finance & Human Capital, and Strategy, Infrastructure & Resource Mobilization. This structural overhaul is in line with the Mwongozo Code of Governance and ensures that each area of hospital management is guided by expert oversight.

During the meeting, the 1st Quarter Financial Report was presented, and the Board commended the hospital staff for their commendable performance. The report highlighted strong financial management and operational efficiency. Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, expressed optimism about the hospital’s future, emphasizing the significance of these strategic changes in promoting excellent clinical outcomes.