Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Olunga said measures have been put in place to facilitate the exercise at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and other identified facilities in the area.
“Every patient requires a different form of surgery. We are working with two or three hospitals to ensure all operations are completed on time,” Dr. Olunga said.
“JOOTRH has 10 theatres, but given the ongoing workload from other patients, we must share the responsibility to avoid delays. Our goal is to save every life and not lose anyone else.”
The accident occurred on Friday evening near the Coptic roundabout along the Kisumu–Kakamega road when a school bus belonging to AIC Naki High School lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and plunged into a ditch.
The vehicle was returning from a funeral in the Nyahera area with passengers when the crash happened.
Dr. Olunga added that the government has engaged additional pathologists from the region to assist with post-mortem examinations for the deceased, allowing families to proceed with burial arrangements without unnecessary delays.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr. Gregory Ganda, said the first step for medics was to stop bleeding and stabilise patients before surgery could proceed.
He explained that all the survivors require elective surgeries.
“One patient who had been in the ICU is now stable and able to talk, but will remain there due to multiple rib fractures. We will brief the family to explain why he must stay for further monitoring.”
Medical teams have been working in shifts to ensure timely interventions.
Authorities said that while most patients are in stable condition, they will remain under close observation.
The accident is one of the deadliest in the region this year, prompting renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement and regular vehicle maintenance checks.