Ultra-modern ambulance boosts service at JOOTRH

Kisumu residents and patients from across the Lake Region are set to benefit from faster, safer and more efficient emergency referrals after receiving a new, fully equipped advanced life-support ambulance from the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

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The ambulance is one of 14 emergency ambulances donated by WHO to seven national referral hospitals and the National Emergency Response Centre, as part of ongoing healthcare reforms under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda's.

The ambulance, described by hospital officials as a “moving intensive care unit,” is fully equipped with ICU-level, life-saving equipment, enabling medical teams to stabilize and transport critically ill patients under continuous advanced care.

Speaking during its launch, JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Joshua Clinton Okise said the new ambulance will significantly reduce delays in emergency response and minimise risky referrals to distant facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

“This ambulance is not just a vehicle; it is a fully functional mobile ICU. It allows us to safely and dignifiedly refer critically ill patients while maintaining advanced medical support throughout the journey,” said Okise.

He noted that the launch comes at a critical time following the hospital’s elevation to a national teaching and referral facility, which has led to a sharp increase in patient numbers and the complexity of cases handled at the hospital.

Okise said the ambulance has already begun easing pressure on referrals, with more patients now being treated locally.

“Where referrals remain unavoidable, patients can now be transferred in a controlled, well-equipped environment, greatly improving their chances of survival”.

Beyond serving JOOTRH, the ambulance will also support emergency response across the wider Lake Region.

The hospital said it will be integrated into regional Emergency Operations and Coordination Centres, working closely with county and sub-county hospitals to ensure timely and coordinated emergency care.

“This ambulance will serve the entire region. Through our emergency coordination centres, we will ensure that critically ill patients are quickly linked to the nearest appropriate services without delay,” he said.

JOOTRH has committed to the proper use and maintenance of the ambulance to ensure long-term service delivery.

Hospital leadership emphasised that the vehicle will strictly be deployed for medical emergencies and operated by trained personnel.

Senior Director of Finance and Administration Evans Oloo welcomed the launch, describing the ambulance as a major boost to the facility’s emergency care capacity.

“As a facility, we are very grateful and privileged to receive this fully equipped ambulance. It will go a long way in helping us manage critically ill patients, especially those who require referral to higher levels of care,” he said.

Oloo noted that the ambulance is particularly crucial for handling complex and critical referrals, including patients who may require air evacuation or advanced clinical intervention.

“The equipment installed in this ambulance is of very high standard and is well suited for managing critical cases during referrals. This will significantly improve patient safety and outcomes,” he added.

The hospital’s Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Dedan Ogong’a, said the launch aligns with the facility’s broader goal of delivering comprehensive Level Six services without unnecessary referrals.

“Our goal, as a newly formed clinical team working closely with teaching and referral hospital professors, is to strengthen services so that patients can access Level Six healthcare here,” he said.

Dr. Ogong’a added that the hospital is investing in modern medical equipment and strengthening human resource capacity to support quality service delivery.

“We are focusing on building both equipment and human resource capacity to ensure we deliver quality, comprehensive care to our patients,” he said.

The launch of the ultra-modern ambulance marks another milestone in JOOTRH’s transformation into a regional referral hub.

Since its elevation, the hospital has expanded specialised services, recruited additional specialists and invested in modern equipment to bring advanced healthcare closer to communities in western Kenya and neighbouring countries.

With the new trauma ambulance now operational, hospital officials say emergency care in the Lake Region has taken a significant step forward, offering renewed hope to patients who previously faced long and risky journeys in search of critical care.