Emergency Medical Technicians, Healthcare Assistants, and Peri-Operative Theatre Technicians were celebrated as the “backbone of healthcare” at the 4th graduation ceremony of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) training school.

Dr. Gregory Ganda, County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, presided over the ceremony, awarding certificates to 27 Healthcare Assistants (June 2024), 14 Peri-Operative Theatre Technicians (April 2023), and 5 Emergency Medical Technicians (September 2023).

A highlight of the event was the graduates’ demonstration of skills acquired during their training, including patient resuscitation. This showcased their readiness for the job market, prompting JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe to fulfill his promise of employing the top ten performing students.

Dr. Ganda emphasized the importance of EMT training for all healthcare workers, stating, “We should pass a policy requiring all healthcare workers to undergo EMT training to ensure prompt responses to emergencies.” He also stressed the need to expand training programs, with pre-operative nursing as the next course to be introduced at JOOTRH.

Dr. Lesiyampe announced plans to offer a basic nursing course in March next year, pending Nursing Council of Kenya accreditation.

JOOTRH currently offers specialized courses, such as a higher diploma in Nephrology Nursing and Critical Care Nursing, along with certificates in Emergency Medical Technology, Perioperative Theatre Technology, and Healthcare Assistance.