Kisumu’s JOOTRH boss Dr. Okise roots for emerging technologies in radiography to enhance service delivery

By Correspondent,

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital is set adopt emerging technologies in radiography to enhance service delivery as the facility expands to accommodate its newly elevated status.

The JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Joshua Okise said they are keen to have adopt emerging technologies in radiography that would go a long way in enhancing imaging and service delivery in the health sector.

“We are in support of adopting new technologies in healthcare because it improves patient outcomes, lowers costs, and makes medical services easier to access,” said Dr. Okise.

In his explanation, he said that tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning analyse medical images and lab results with high precision, helping doctors catch diseases earlier.

Dr. Okise revealed that the JOOTRH has digitised the facility’s records and operations in a move that is shifting it from disconnected paper files to coordinated, real-time workflows.

“Digitising our records will doctors and nurses’ instant access to a patient’s complete medical history, lab results, allergies, and past treatments. This prevents dangerous drug interactions, missed allergies, and duplicate tests,” he explained.

Last month while speaking during the closing ceremony of the 11th Biennial Radiographers Scientific Conference 2026 at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu, Dr. Okise said technology must go beyond acquiring equipment and translate into changes in how healthcare professionals think and deliver services.

The three-day conference, organised by the Society of Radiographers Kenya, was held under the theme “Transforming Radiography and Imaging: Reimagining and Redefining the Practice for Excellence.”

Dr Okise said JOOTRH has embraced digitisation, with digital imaging systems, electronic medical records, laboratory and radiology integration, and telemedicine supporting clinical decision-making and continuity of care.

He added that the planned installation of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at JOOTRH is expected to improve turnaround times by enabling timely digital access to medical images, reducing delays in image retrieval and supporting faster clinical decision-making.

PACS is a digital system used to store, retrieve and share medical images such as X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans.

The CEO called for continuous investment in adaptable, dependable and accountable practitioners as radiography undergoes rapid technological change and workforce demands increase.

He emphasised the importance of specialist training, continuous professional development, artificial intelligence (AI) competencies, radiation safety and quality management.

The conference brought together delegates from Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana, and also provided an opportunity for professional networking and knowledge exchange.

Society of Radiographers Kenya President Jevas Kenyanya supported the call for greater adoption of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, research, education and multidisciplinary collaboration in the sector.

The discussions came against the backdrop of significant investment in JOOTRH’s radiology and imaging capacity in recent years.