Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Visits JOOTRH, Calls for Enhanced Cancer Care Resources

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa paid a visit to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu County during a familiarisation tour to assess its operations and challenges.

JOOTRH, the largest healthcare facility in western Kenya, serves the region with a 650-bed capacity, 84 medical consultants, and a workforce of 1,000 staff members.

The hospital delivers an average of 400 babies monthly and provides critical care through its 10 ICU beds.

During the visit, hospital CEO Dr. Richard Ole Syampe outlined the urgent need for radiotherapy equipment to address the growing cancer care demands in the region.

Dr. Syampe also raised concerns about space constraints in the chemotherapy and cancer center units, which are limiting the hospital’s ability to offer comprehensive cancer treatment services.

Dr. Barasa commended the hospital for its strides in healthcare delivery, particularly its progress in the SHA (Social Health Authority) registration process. She lauded the hospital's unwavering commitment to improving patient care despite facing resource and infrastructure challenges.

“I am impressed by the dedication of the JOOTRH team in providing quality healthcare services to the people of western Kenya. The government is committed to addressing the challenges raised, particularly in cancer care, to ensure no patient is left behind,” Dr. Barasa stated.

During her tour, Dr. Barasa inspected critical areas of the facility, including the resuscitation and examination rooms, the cancer center, and the SHA registration center.

Health Workers in Trans Nzoia Work in Fear Amid Rising Attacks While on Duty

Health workers in Trans Nzoia County are operating under heightened fear following a rise in attacks against them while on duty. The cacus of healthcare workers unions in Trans Nzoia, representing 17 different professional health worker cadres, expressed growing concerns about their safety, as incidents of violence and intimidation continue to increase in healthcare facilities. They highlighted a recent disturbing event in Sifatinga, where a clinical officer was assaulted. This incident is part of a broader trend, with four active cases of violence against health workers currently under investigation. “Health workers are increasingly facing danger simply by doing their jobs. The fear and insecurity among our members are palpable. This has to stop,” said Edward Cheruyiot, Secretary of the Nurses Union in Trans Nzoia. Cheruyiot said that in addition to the physical threats, health workers are also grappling with emotional and psychological stress due to these recurring attack...

Luhya Elders Rally Behind Dr. Wamalwa’s 2027 Bid for Trans Nzoia Governor

Elders from the Luhya community in Trans Nzoia County have thrown their support behind former Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa’s gubernatorial bid, stating that he possesses the leadership qualities needed to spur economic growth and promote unity within the county. The elders, who held a consultative meeting with Dr. Wamalwa at his Kiminini home, said he is ready to take over the county’s leadership, noting that his ten-year track record as a Member of Parliament was remarkable. “We have given our blessings to Dr. Wamalwa as he crisscrosses the county to seek support from other communities since Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan,” said Mr. Christopher Makokha, the chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders in the county. The elders explained that they have already settled on its preferred flag bearer for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that any other candidate seeking their endorsement is too late, as they do not permit double endorsements. “We are putting an end to the habit of eld...

Nursing Services Paralyzed in Trans Nzoia as Nurses Down Tools

Nursing services in public health facilities across Trans Nzoia County have been severely disrupted due to a strike by nurses. The strike was triggered by the county government's failure to address several key issues raised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the union representing healthcare workers. KNUNM Trans Nzoia Secretary, Edward Cheruiyot, stated that despite mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour, which appointed a conciliator, no resolution had been reached. “The union has done its part, but the government has failed to avert the strike. The conciliator was appointed, but no meetings have taken place, and no progress has been made,” Cheruiyot said. At the core of the strike are several unresolved issues. One of the primary concerns is the failure to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025-2029 period. "Negotiations for the CBA have stalled. The government promised to form a committee to address the matter, ...

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