Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been upgraded to a Level C5 parastatal, a move aimed at transforming healthcare in the region and enhancing the hospital's financial sustainability.

• The elevation means the hospital will transition from county to national status, with a mandate to attract and retain highly skilled health professionals.
• Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga announced the upgrade during a visit, emphasizing the need for innovation in resource generation as national referral hospitals will become independent of tax-based funding within five years.
• JOOTRH is encouraged to diversify revenue streams through clinical research and grant applications, and a new hospital board will be constituted by the end of the month to oversee reforms.