Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega
The Chief Executive Officer of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise unveiled five hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines in the Renal Unit, bringing the total number of dialysis machines to 13 and significantly enhancing capacity for advanced kidney care. The new units are set to improve treatment outcomes through superior toxin removal and increased session efficiency.
Other machines unveiled include a fully automated blood screening analyser as well as the Orthopantomogram (OPG) dental X-ray machine.
At the Renal Unit, the newly acquired hemodiafiltration (HDF) machines are designed to enhance dialysis outcomes for patients living with kidney failure. The hospital currently operates 13 dialysis machines, including five newly installed HDF units, with five more expected to further expand capacity. Presently, the unit conducts 36 dialysis sessions daily, a figure projected to increase to 50 sessions per day once the additional machines are fully integrated. Hemodiafiltration technology offers superior clearance of both small and larger molecular toxins, improving patient stability and overall quality of life. The system utilises ultra-pure water processed through an advanced treatment plant, significantly lowering bacterial and endotoxin levels and enhancing patient safety. Plans are underway to expand dialysis chair capacity to 20 to streamline workflow and reduce patient waiting time.
In Blood Transfusion Services, the CEO launched a fully automated immunoassay analyser that will dramatically reduce turnaround time in blood screening. The machine, which operates on highly sensitive antigen-antibody reaction principles, detects transfusion-transmissible infections including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C within 20 to 35 minutes. With the ability to process multiple samples simultaneously, the analyser strengthens emergency response capacity in critical areas such as ICU, renal and maternity units. While screening at the regional blood bank continues, the in-house system ensures continuity during reagent shortages and high-demand periods, safeguarding uninterrupted patient care.
The Dental Department also marked a significant milestone with the operationalisation of the Orthopantomogram (OPG) dental X-ray machine, enabling same-day imaging and reporting. Together with expanded periodontology, which focuses on prevention and treatment of gum disease, paediatric dentistry and oral and maxillofacial services, JOOTRH now stands as the only public hospital in the region offering a fully-fledged, integrated dental clinic under one roof.
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