Kisumu residents and patients across the Lake Region will benefit from faster and safer emergency referrals after Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) received a fully equipped advanced life-support ambulance from the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
The ambulance is among 14 emergency vehicles donated by WHO to seven national referral hospitals and the National Emergency Response Centre as part of ongoing health sector reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, described the vehicle as a moving intensive care unit, fitted with ICU-level life-saving equipment that allows medical teams to stabilise and transport critically ill patients while providing continuous advanced care.
Speaking on Thursday at the facility during the launch, Dr. Okise said the ambulance would significantly reduce delays in emergency response and minimise risky referrals to distant facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
“This ambulance is not just a vehicle; it is a fully functional mobile ICU. It allows us to refer critically ill patients safely and with dignity while maintaining advanced medical support throughout the journey,” said Dr. Okise.
He noted that the donation comes at a critical time following the hospital’s elevation to a national teaching and referral facility, a move that has led to a sharp rise in patient numbers and the complexity of cases handled.
Dr. Okise added that the new ambulance has already begun easing pressure on referrals, with more patients now being managed locally.
“Where referrals are unavoidable, patients can now be transferred in a controlled and well-equipped environment, greatly improving their chances of survival,” he said.
Beyond JOOTRH, the ambulance will support emergency response across the wider Lake Region and will be integrated into regional Emergency Operations and Coordination Centres, working closely with county and sub-county hospitals.
“This ambulance will serve the entire region. Through coordinated emergency systems, critically ill patients will be quickly linked to the nearest appropriate facility without unnecessary delays,” Dr. Okise said.
He committed to the proper use and maintenance of the vehicle, emphasising that it will be strictly deployed for medical emergencies and operated by trained personnel.
JOOTRH Senior Director of Finance and Administration Evans Oloo described the donation as a major boost to the hospital’s emergency care capacity.
“We are grateful to receive this fully equipped ambulance. It will significantly enhance our ability to manage critically ill patients, especially those requiring referral to higher levels of care,” said Oloo.
He added that the ambulance was particularly crucial for handling complex referrals, including cases that may require air evacuation or advanced clinical intervention.
“The equipment installed is of a very high standard and well suited for managing critical cases during referrals, which will greatly improve patient safety and outcomes,” he said.
Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Dedan Ogong’a, said the launch aligns with the hospital’s broader goal of delivering comprehensive Level Six services without unnecessary referrals.
“Our focus is to strengthen specialised services so that patients can access advanced care here, working closely with teaching and referral hospital doctors,” Dr. Ogong’a said.
He added that the hospital was investing heavily in modern medical equipment and strengthening human resource capacity to support quality service delivery.
Since its elevation, JOOTRH has expanded specialised services, recruited additional specialists and invested in modern equipment, positioning itself as a key referral hub for western Kenya and neighbouring countries.
With the new advanced life-support ambulance now operational, hospital officials say emergency care in the Lake Region has taken a significant leap, offering renewed hope to patients who previously faced long and risky journeys in search of medication.
By Chris Mahandara
