Formation of Technical Transition Committee for JOOTRH
The transformation of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) into a national parastatal has taken a significant step forward with the formation of a technical transition committee. This initiative follows the recent gazettement of the hospital, which officially marks its transition from county to national status.
A communication signed by Health PS Ouma Oluga announced the appointment of James Ntabo as the chairperson of the newly formed team. The committee is tasked with overseeing the smooth and structured shift of the hospital’s operations from county oversight to full national administration.
Key Members of the Transition Team
The transition team comprises individuals with extensive experience at both national and county levels. Among them are:
- Richard Lesiyampe, chief executive officer of JOOTRH
- Rebecca Kiptui
- Ruth Bosire
- Stephen Macharia
- Francis Muteti
- Edith Torome
- Racheal Nyamwai
- Alice Machanga
- Judy Chepkirui
- Joshua Lusi, health chief officer of Kisumu
- Martin Opiyo, finance chief officer of Kisumu
These members bring a diverse range of expertise that will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the hospital’s transformation.
Responsibilities of the Transition Committee
The primary responsibilities of the committee include streamlining human resource instruments. This involves the transition of staff, aligning salary structures and job grading systems, managing pension plans, and establishing a new staffing framework suitable for a parastatal institution.
In addition to personnel matters, the committee will conduct a thorough review of the hospital’s grading to confirm its new classification and operational level within the national healthcare framework. This review is essential to ensure that the hospital meets the standards required for its new status.
Asset and Liability Handover
A critical component of the committee’s work involves coordinating the complete handover of JOOTRH’s assets and liabilities. This includes physical infrastructure, land holdings, and other key facilities under the hospital’s purview, notably Victoria Hospital. Ensuring a seamless transfer of these assets is vital for maintaining uninterrupted service delivery during the transition period.
To effectively undertake these assignments, the transition committee will engage with several strategic national agencies, including:
- The Public Service Department
- The State Corporations Advisory Council
- The Salaries and Remuneration Commission
- The Retirements Benefits Authority
These collaborations will help ensure that all aspects of the transition are managed efficiently and in compliance with national regulations.
Significance of the Transition
The establishment of this transition committee represents a major milestone in the evolution of JOOTRH, which has long served as a major referral facility for western Kenya. As it assumes national parastatal status, the hospital is expected to scale up its service delivery, infrastructure, and human capital to meet the demands of a national health institution.
This transformation is anticipated to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality healthcare services to a broader population. It also underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system across the country.
By ensuring a well-structured transition, the committee aims to lay a solid foundation for the future of JOOTRH, enabling it to fulfill its role as a leading national healthcare provider.