Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has launched an investigation into complaints about the treatment of patients at the facility.
The hospital’s nursing department has also summoned staff from several units for an urgent meeting following concerns over alleged poor services that have been widely discussed on social media.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 8 October, acting Chief Executive Officer Joshua Clinton Okise said the hospital had taken note of the concerns raised publicly.
“The hospital has commenced investigations into the allegations raised, with a view to establish the facts and ensuring that any issue identified are appropriately addressed,” Dr Okise said.
He said the hospital had already contacted the affected individual over the concerns raised.
However, one of those affected, Grace Akinyi, said she had not received an adequate response from the hospital after raising her concerns, prompting a public outcry over the facility’s management.
JOOTRH said it takes complaints from patients, clients and members of the public seriously and urged the public to allow the investigation to run its course.
It said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.
“JOOTRH remains committed to providing safe, compassionate, respectful and quality healthcare services to all our patients and clients,” the statement said.
The hospital also encouraged members of the public with complaints to report them through its customer-care channels.
Kisumu County health executive Gregory Ganda said he had received several messages concerning the complaints.
“As a doctor, it troubles me to hear any patient describe being treated without dignity,” Dr Ganda said.
He said JOOTRH was now under national management and that the county government no longer managed its operations.
He added that he would raise the concerns with the relevant leadership and encouraged anyone with a specific complaint to report it formally so that it could be investigated.
“This is how care improves through structured feedback, accountability and action,” he said.
Dr Ganda said patients should not be afraid to seek medical care when they were unwell.
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