CS Duale suspends kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 18 – Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has directed immediate suspension of all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals until further notice following serious allegations of malpractice and ethical violations related to transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital, Eldoret.

While addressing the media Duale reiterated Ministry’s commitment to protecting patient safety and restoring public trust in Kenya’s healthcare system to address the matter comprehensively CS announced appointment of an Independent Expert Committee to undertake a full audit of kidney transplant services across all Mediheal facilities over the past five years.

The committee will review governance structures, clinical practices, ethical compliance and patient safety protocols and is expected to submit its report within 90 days.

To safeguard the integrity of the investigative process Duale has also ordered immediate suspension of Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi, Acting Head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS) and Dr. Everlyne Chege technical lead, In the interim, Dr. Martin Sirengo, Senior Deputy Director of Medical Services has been appointed to take charge of KBTTS.

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has been directed to immediately halt licensing of new foreign medical practitioners with the exception of those from East African Community member states.

In addition, the CS instructed KMPDC to conduct an audit of all currently licensed foreign practitioners in Kenya and submit a comprehensive report to his office within 90 days with the measures aiming at enhancing oversight and align national standards with global best practices.

“All patients currently receiving or seeking kidney transplant-related care at Mediheal have been advised to access services at the following licensed facilities at Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital–Eldoret, Nairobi West Hospital and Mater Hospital”, said CS Duale.

Hon. Duale reaffirmed Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of patients while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and accountability in healthcare delivery.