Kisumu: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has taken a significant step towards improving patient comfort and mobility with the acquisition of 40 new wheelchairs, as part of a broader plan to procure a total of 100 units.

According to Kenya News Agency, an additional 60 wheelchairs are expected to arrive within the next two weeks, a move aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in patient movement across various departments.

The new equipment has been distributed to all major hospital departments, with the Accident and Emergency Unit receiving 10 wheelchairs due to its high demand and critical operations. The newly acquired wheelchairs come with improved features, including sturdy footrests and durable frames to withstand frequent use.

Each inpatient ward has also been equipped with new units, while the Outpatient Department now enjoys enhanced access to mobility aids to support the smooth transfer of patients. Speaking during the handover of the wheelchairs at the hospital grounds, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua Okise said the investment reflects the hospital’s continued commitment to providing compassionate and patient-centred care.

‘These wheelchairs are not just tools-they are an extension of our care philosophy,’ Dr. Okise said, adding: ‘I urge all staff to handle them as if they are their own property. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring they serve our patients effectively and for a long time.’ He added that the hospital had put in place a system for routine inspection and repair of the wheelchairs to guarantee their safety and reliability.

‘Any faulty wheelchair will be collected for maintenance immediately to avoid service disruption,’ he said. Each wheelchair has been clearly labelled according to its respective department for easy tracking and accountability. Okise reminded all department heads to ensure that the wheelchairs are regularly cleaned and stored properly to prevent rusting, particularly in high-traffic areas such as the emergency and outpatient wings.

The initiative is part of JOOTRH’s ongoing infrastructure and service improvement programme, which seeks to strengthen patient support systems in the region’s largest referral facility. The Acting CEO reaffirmed that the hospital would continue investing in modern equipment and staff welfare to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

‘Our goal is to make JOOTRH a model of excellence in patient care-not only in Kisumu but across the country,’ he said. The acquisition marks one of the hospital’s recent strides towards upgrading essential amenities, ensuring that every patient’s movement within the facility is handled with dignity, safety, and comfort.