By Lorraine Anyango.

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) officially unveiled its highly anticipated Prime Care Center (PCC) in a ceremony presided over by Kisumu Governor, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Governor Nyong’o commended the recent improvements made at JOOTRH and pledged his government’s commitment to elevate the hospital’s status to a parastatal. “This is your hospital,” he emphasized, urging residents to utilize the new facility. “Whether you’re a civil servant, a business owner, or simply seeking specialized care, the PCC is designed to meet your needs.”

He acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Kisumu residents, particularly civil servants, in accessing specialized healthcare within their insurance limits. Private hospitals often quickly exhaust these limits, leaving patients with difficult choices. The JOOTRH Prime Care Center directly addresses this issue by providing the same high-quality, specialized services at a more affordable rate.

Previously, JOOTRH, the only level-five hospital in the region, lacked a dedicated amenity wing. The Prime Care Center fills this critical gap.

“JOOTRH must play in its league, alongside KUTTRH and MTRH, because of the specialized services it offers,” said Dr. Mathew Owili, the Deputy Governor. He praised the facility’s cleanliness, a common compliment from patients he personally knows who have utilized JOOTRH’s services. Dr. Owili further emphasized JOOTRH’s qualifications for parastatal status, citing its quality, affordability, and role as a teaching and referral hospital.

The County Assembly Speaker, Mr. Elisha Oraro, commended JOOTRH’s efforts to improve service delivery. Dr. Greggory Ganda, the County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, announced plans to establish a primary care facility in Kondele, allowing JOOTRH to focus on specialized services.

The ceremony, attended by JOOTRH partners, also highlighted recent improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency, including the decongestion of the casualty department through the addition of 26 beds. These advancements were detailed by JOOTRH Board Chair Ms. Dioris Ombara.

Governor Nyong’o expressed his appreciation for the 40-bed capacity, calling it “a great start.” He encouraged potential investors to partner with JOOTRH to expand the facility’s reach, emphasizing the greater impact on the community with more beds available.

What to Expect at JOOTRH Prime Care Center:

• Expert Medical Professionals: The same highly trained doctors and nurses you know from JOOTRH will be providing care at the Prime Care Center.
• Advanced Technology: The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Affordable Rates: You’ll receive the same high-quality care you’d expect from a private hospital, but at a price that won’t break the bank.