JOOTRH opens mental health clinic in Kisumu, plans 50-bed inpatient unit

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has opened a mental health clinic in Kisumu and announced plans to establish a 50-bed inpatient unit to expand access to specialised psychiatric care in western Kenya.

The announcement was made during the hospital’s World Mental Health Day celebrations, where health officials called for improved access to mental health services, early diagnosis, and measures to address stigma surrounding mental illness.

Expanded mental health services

The planned inpatient unit will have 25 beds for male patients and 25 for female patients.

JOOTRH Director of Clinical Services Dr Paul Mitei said the facility would strengthen the region’s capacity to provide specialised mental healthcare and support patients who require admission and closer clinical supervision.

Dr Mitei also called for routine mental health screening to improve early detection, facilitate timely treatment and ensure patients receive appropriate referrals.

Integrating screening into routine healthcare could help identify conditions that might otherwise go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.

The new clinic will provide psychiatric assessments and treatment, counselling, psychotherapy and medication management.

Its services will also cover child and adolescent mental health, substance use treatment and rehabilitation, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and trauma and bereavement counselling.

The range of services is intended to address different mental health needs within one facility, linking clinical treatment with psychological support and rehabilitation.

For patients and families in Kisumu and neighbouring counties, expanded services could reduce the need to seek specialised care outside the region.

Tackling stigma and improving access

Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, represented by Mr James Ntabo, urged healthcare institutions and communities to respond to mental health challenges with compassion, active listening and practical support.

He emphasised that mental health is an integral part of overall health and called on institutions to address stigma that prevents people from seeking professional help.

Negative attitudes and fear of judgement can discourage patients from disclosing symptoms, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Joshua Clinton Okise reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to expanding mental health services.

Drawing on his family’s experience with mental health challenges, he highlighted how stigma and judgement affect both patients and their relatives.

Dr Okise also called for mental healthcare to be considered in reviews of the Social Health Authority’s benefit package.

Including appropriate mental health services in health coverage could help reduce financial barriers for patients who need specialist consultations, medication, psychotherapy or inpatient treatment.

The proposed expansion comes amid growing attention to integrating mental health into routine healthcare delivery.

For public referral hospitals, developing specialised services requires not only clinical facilities but also trained personnel, appropriate medicines, referral systems and sustainable financing.

Healthcare workers urged to listen without judgement

The celebrations, held under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” focused on the experiences of people living with mental health conditions and the importance of incorporating patients’ and families’ perspectives into care.

JOOTRH psychiatrists Dr Linda Nyamute and Dr Victor Omache urged healthcare workers and members of the public to listen without judgement and make an effort to understand people experiencing psychological distress.

The event brought together Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Gregory Ganda, healthcare professionals, students, partners, caregivers, patients and members of the public.

An awareness walk from Patel Flats Roundabout to JOOTRH preceded it to promote mental wellness and challenge stigma.

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