Kisumu, Kenya – The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has been hailed as a benchmark for modern, patient-centred healthcare delivery after successfully transitioning to a fully paperless, digitised system.
A delegation of Principal Secretaries, led by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, toured the facility to assess the impact of digital transformation on service delivery.
Digitisation as a Necessity
Dr. Oluga emphasised that digitisation is no longer optional in healthcare, noting its critical role in improving efficiency, accountability, and overall quality of care.
“Digitisation is essential to modern healthcare. It enhances efficiency, strengthens accountability, and ensures patients receive timely, coordinated services,” he said.
Streamlined Patient Flow
During the visit, the delegation observed operations at the Accident and Emergency Department, where manual registers have been replaced with an integrated digital process. The system tracks patients from registration through treatment, streamlining workflows and improving coordination across service points.
Officials noted that the new system has reduced waiting times, minimised patient movement, and lowered the risk of errors commonly associated with paper-based records.
AfyaKE System Integration
The hospital has implemented the AfyaKE system, which integrates clinical, laboratory, pharmacy, and medical records services. Medical officers now use tablets to transmit orders directly to relevant departments, ensuring seamless communication and faster service delivery.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise confirmed that the hospital has fully eliminated paper records, with all patient information digitised and accessible in real time.
“The system has solved longstanding challenges such as lost files, while enhancing coordination across departments and satellite facilities, including the Victoria Annex and Prime Acre Amenity Wing,” Dr. Okise said.
Real-Time Data for Decision-Making
Dr. Oluga highlighted the system’s data capabilities, including real-time dashboards that allow hospital leadership to monitor patient volumes, service utilisation, prescriptions, and laboratory and pharmacy outputs.
He noted that such data supports timely, evidence-based decision-making and strengthens accountability across the institution.
Phased Rollout
While the benefits of digitisation are already evident, hospital management confirmed that the system is still being expanded to cover additional service points as part of a phased rollout.
Conclusion
JOOTRH’s transition to a fully paperless healthcare system marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s public health sector. By embracing digital innovation, the hospital has set a strong precedent for efficiency, accountability, and patient-centred service delivery, offering a model for other facilities nationwide.
