JOOTRH, KMPDU sign recognition deal ahead of transition to national referral hospital

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has formally been recognized as a key stakeholder in the transition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) into a Level 6 national referral facility, following the signing of a Recognition Agreement.

JOOTRH in Kisumu County was last year elevated to a Level 6 facility and tasked to operate as a national facility handling referrals within Nyanza region.

The Tuesday agreement was signed by KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah and JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise, establishing a structured framework for engagement between the union and hospital management during the transition process.

According to JOOTRH, the agreement is intended to strengthen institutional stability while addressing staffing, infrastructure, and remuneration gaps as the hospital’s mandate expands to match that of other national referral institutions.

The framework positions KMPDU as a participant in management discussions, particularly those touching on human resources and service delivery.

During the deliberations, the union raised concerns over the fate of doctors currently serving on locum terms, calling for their transition to Permanent and Pensionable (PnP) positions once human resource functions are fully transitioned.

Dr. Atellah emphasized that job security is central to the stability of a national referral hospital.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Okise said ongoing job evaluation and grading by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and other relevant bodies would determine the hospital’s human resource requirements.

He noted that the process would provide clarity on specialist recruitment and staffing levels needed to meet national standards, while also acknowledging the contribution of doctors currently serving at JOOTRH.

“This recognition agreement is a progressive step toward a long-term partnership,” Dr. Okise said, adding that February 2026 has been set as the target for completing staff transitions and harmonising salary structures.

He urged continued dialogue to ensure a stable working environment and prevent industrial unrest.

In a separate statement, Dr. Atellah described the agreement as a “timely milestone,” noting that JOOTRH is among the first county hospitals to be elevated to national referral status.

“As KMPDU, our presence in this transition is not symbolic; it is strategic,” he said. “It ensures that doctors are represented, protected, and actively involved in decisions that will shape staffing, infrastructure, remuneration, and service delivery during this critical period of growth.”

A key provision of the agreement is a commitment by both parties to conclude a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) within 120 days, with the union expected to submit a draft within one month.

The framework also requires the employer to disclose relevant information to support transparent and informed negotiations.

Dr. Atellah said the dialogue-driven approach has previously delivered positive outcomes at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and expressed confidence it would strengthen JOOTRH’s service delivery.

“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with hospital leadership to address human resources, equipment availability, access to medicines, and the functionality of theaters,” he said.

“Safeguarding the welfare of healthcare workers ultimately translates into superior patient care.”

Both JOOTRH and KMPDU said the recognition agreement provides a blueprint for other facilities earmarked for elevation, with expectations that the partnership will enhance institutional stability and improve healthcare outcomes across the Lake Region Economic Block and beyond.