By Treezer Michelle Atieino
On July 1, 2024, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital
(JOOTRH) officially launched its Prime Care Center (PCC), a significant step towards
improving healthcare accessibility in Kisumu. Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o
presided over the ceremony, highlighting the county's commitment to enhancing
health services and addressing the challenges residents face, particularly civil
servants whose insurance limits often fall short in private hospitals.
The PCC aims to provide high-quality specialised care at affordable rates, filling a
crucial gap in the region’s healthcare landscape. Previously, JOOTRH, as the only
level-five hospital in the area, lacked dedicated facilities for specialised services.
With the opening of the PCC, residents now have access to essential healthcare
without the financial burden typically associated with private hospitals.
Key features of the PCC include expert medical professionals and advanced medical
technology, ensuring that patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective
treatments. This initiative is particularly vital in Kisumu, where many residents
struggle with healthcare costs.
The Prime Care Center also supports the county's broader healthcare strategy,
which includes plans for a primary care facility in Kondele. This will enable JOOTRH
to concentrate on specialised services while improving overall service delivery.
Recent enhancements, such as an additional 26 beds to the casualty department,
further bolster the hospital's capacity to serve the community.
With these advancements, JOOTRH is poised to elevate its status to a parastatal,
reinforcing its role as a key healthcare provider in Kisumu. This initiative addresses
immediate health needs and lays the foundation for long-term community health
and well-being.
