By Ogega Ondari.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is making significant strides towards offering kidney transplants, a move that promises to revolutionize kidney treatment in the region. This development was highlighted during the hospital’s commemoration of World Kidney Day, where calls for early kidney disease detection were also emphasized.
Currently, JOOTRH’s renal care unit provides dialysis to over 60 patients, with plans to expand this capacity to 100. However, recognizing the growing demand, projected to exceed 350 patients requiring dialysis, the hospital is prioritizing kidney transplantation as a long-term solution.
The facility has recently acquired advanced kidney HDF dialysis machines, placing it among the leading hospitals in Kenya, alongside Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital, to offer this modern technology. With plans to increase the number of dialysis machines from 13 to 17, and aspirations for 50 in the future, JOOTRH is significantly enhancing its dialysis capacity.
However, the primary focus remains on establishing a kidney transplant program. JOOTRH CEO, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, announced that the hospital aims to perform its first kidney transplants by the end of the year, a move he described as a “game changer” for patients, offering a more sustainable alternative to costly dialysis.
“At the heart of these great strides is our staff resilience and innovation,” Dr. Lesiyampe stated. “We continue through these efforts to be responsive to patient needs, offering counseling, education, and professional support.”
The initiative has garnered support from the Kenya Renal Nurses Association, which is planning an AV fistula camp ahead of its annual conference in April. JOOTRH is also addressing staff shortages by seeking additional support from state corporations.
The push for kidney transplants is part of a broader strategy to establish a professional exchange program and create a consortium for enhanced transplant services by December.
Dr. Lesiyampe also emphasized the hospital’s new parastatal status, urging staff to maintain high standards of patient care, customer service, and innovation.
“The bar is raised, and we must strive to keep up with global leaders in the healthcare space,” he said.
The planned kidney transplant program will make JOOTRH the third facility in Kenya to offer this life-saving procedure. The establishment of professional exchange programs and a consortium will further strengthen kidney care in the region, with the ultimate goal of providing affordable and accessible transplants to those in need.
In observance of World Kidney Day, JOOTRH provided free kidney screenings to approximately 40 patients and conducted a continuous medical education forum for its medical team, demonstrating its commitment to both patient care and professional development.
