Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital has taken a step in digitising surgical care by introducing Proximie platform.
The telemedicine tool allows procedures to be broadcast live for remote consultation and medical training.
The system, already in use in several counties including Makueni, Mombasa, Nakuru and Homa Bay, is now being piloted in Theatre 4 at JOOTRH.
The technology enables real-time, two-way interaction between operating surgeons and remote experts, creating an interactive environment for learning and guidance.
During the initial training session, Dr Ceasar Bitta, consultant general surgeon at JOOTRH and vice president of the Surgical Society of Kenya, praised the platform’s ability to bridge geographical and skill gaps in healthcare.
“Proximie goes beyond traditional video streaming; it allows real-time interaction. I can direct a colleague during surgery from anywhere in the world, whether it's Nairobi, the UK, or South Africa,” he explained.
“You can see everything clearly, give precise instructions, and even follow the surgeon’s hand movements as if you're right there in the room.”
The integration of this platform is expected to significantly reduce the need for physical transfers of staff for mentorship or patient referrals.
Junior doctors can now handle complex procedures with confidence, thanks to real-time support from senior consultants located elsewhere.
“In the past, we had to send our team to Nairobi to carry out some operations alongside senior surgeons. Today, we can do the same surgeries right here in Kisumu, with expert guidance streamed directly into our theatre,” Bitta said.
The Proximie system prioritises patient privacy and data security.
It automatically removes identifying details from all footage, including names on scans or distinguishing features such as tattoos.
Furthermore, consent is mandatory for any procedure to be streamed, and all video data is stored securely on JOOTRH’s institutional cloud.
Individuals are not allowed to download or share the content.
The initial rollout involves a cross-functional team of surgical residents, theatre nurses, biomedical engineers, technicians and IT staff.
Theatre 4’s lead technician is overseeing the technical implementation, supported by James Ndung’u, the national coordinator for Proximie in Kenya.
For now, live sessions are limited to JOOTRH’s internal theatre classroom to give staff adequate time to familiarise themselves with the system.
Weekly surgeries are planned for Mondays and Tuesdays, depending on patient availability and consent.
Among the first to receive hands-on training is Dr Corazon Deya, who joins the growing team of clinicians at JOOTRH embracing digital transformation in surgical practice.
The hospital hopes that once fully adopted, the platform will be extended to other theatres and used in collaborations beyond its walls.
By integrating smart technology into its surgical care model, JOOTRH continues to position itself as a leader in innovation and healthcare excellence in Western Kenya.
Instant Analysis
The launch of the Proximie platform at JOOTRH marks a major leap in surgical care and training in Western Kenya. It allows real-time, remote surgical guidance and education, enabling junior doctors to perform complex procedures with expert support from anywhere in the world. This reduces patient referrals, boosts surgeon confidence, and enhances medical training. With strong data privacy safeguards and internal training underway, JOOTRH is now part of a growing network of hospitals embracing digital innovation in healthcare delivery.
