This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
JOOTRH, the largest health facility in Nyanza, has been under the full control of the Kisumu County Government, with its finances and procurement tightly controlled by the Executive.
However, a section of members of the Kisumu County Assembly, led by Speaker Elisha Oraro and Majority Leader Kenneth Onyango, have proposed making the hospital autonomous to improve its services and boost efficiency.
During a forum in Kisumu on Thursday and Friday under the auspices of People's Health Movement, the MCAs argued that giving JOOTRH autonomy would allow it to manage its finances and resources more effectively.
They also suggested that amendments to the controversial Health Bill, which has been rejected by civil society, should include provisions to make JOOTRH autonomous.
According to the MCAs, the hospital currently receives Sh369 million in grants every year, but the funds are sent directly to the county finance kitty, making it difficult for the hospital to access the money in time.
JOOTRH Board Member and Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch revealed that the hospital is currently indebted to the tune of Sh800 million, and urged the new Finance Executive, George Omondi, to monitor how funds collected are utilised.
Meanwhile, JOOTRH CEO Peter Okoth supported the Health Bill, citing its proposal for a health fund that would pool all health resources and promote service delivery.
"The establishment of the health fund will help bring autonomy to health facilities and promote service delivery," Okoth said.
