Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega and Ian Obadha
“Do Not Be Another Pain”: PS Oluga Urges Healthcare Workers to Humanise Healthcare as JOOTRH Graduates 81 Students“If you were the one lying on that bed, would you want to be treated the way you treat patients?” This was the heartfelt question posed by Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, during the JOOTRH Training School graduation ceremony. His raw and deeply human message anchored a celebration of 81 graduates stepping into Kenya’s health workforce at a time when compassion in care is urgently needed.Dr. Oluga noted the worrying culture where patients feel they must “know someone” in a hospital to receive dignified treatment, urging the graduates to change this reality. He reminded them that humanising healthcare goes beyond clinical skill, it demands character, empathy, and moral responsibility. “Humanising healthcare means you are confident, capable, but it also means you have character. Do not be another pain in your attitude, incompetence, or negligence,” he said.His message resonated as JOOTRH celebrated graduates in Critical Care Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Perioperative Theatre Technology, and Healthcare Assistance, professionals who will soon serve at the most critical touchpoints of patient care. He encouraged them to embrace leadership not as a title but as influence, teamwork, and advocacy. Citing joint replacement surgeries where up to 25% suffer infections, he reminded them that good outcomes depend on the entire care team. “Even the best neurosurgeon needs a nurse, a cleaner, a technician. There is no heroism in healthcare.”He challenged them to reject the mindset of “this is how we’ve always done it,” and to embrace innovation, from telemedicine to research and new patient-centred approaches.JOOTRH Board Chair Dr. Olang’o Onudi, CEO Dr. Joshua Okise, and Director of Research and Training Dr. Allan Yienya all affirmed the institution’s commitment to producing skilled, compassionate professionals. With leaders, families, and partners in attendance, the ceremony became a call to conscience: Kenya’s healthcare will only transform when those who serve choose to humanise it. For the 81 graduates, that journey begins now.
