The Ministry of Health has announced a sweeping series of emergency actions following a mounting scandal involving allegations of organ harvesting and unethical kidney transplants at the Mediheal Group of Hospitals.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 17, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale outlined five decisive measures the government is taking to protect patients and restore integrity in the country’s transplant services.
The move follows disturbing claims of malpractice, particularly at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret, which has now come under intense public scrutiny.
Here are the key actions being taken:
1. Mediheal Licence Suspended and Five-Year Audit Ordered
Health CS Aden Duale has appointed an Independent Expert Committee to lead a comprehensive audit of all kidney transplant services conducted at Mediheal Group of Hospitals over the last five years.
The committee is expected to examine governance, clinical procedures, ethical standards, and patient safety protocols.
“The committee will review governance structures, clinical practices, ethical compliance, and patient safety protocols and is expected to submit its report within 90 days,” the ministry said.
2. Immediate Suspension of Kidney Transplants at Mediheal
In a direct response to the alleged irregularities, the Ministry of Health has suspended all kidney transplant services at Mediheal facilities across the country until further notice.
“This follows serious allegations of malpractice and ethical violations related to transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital – Eldoret,” the ministry stated.
3. Patients Redirected to Other Certified Facilities
All patients currently seeking or undergoing transplant-related care at Mediheal have been instructed to seek services at other licensed transplant centers.
These include:
1. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
2. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
3. Aga Khan University Hospital
4. MP Shah Hospital
5. Nairobi Hospital
6. St. Luke’s Hospital, Eldoret
7. Nairobi West Hospital
8. Mater Hospital
4. Suspension of Two Senior Health Officials
Two senior Ministry of Health officials have been suspended with immediate effect:
Dr. Morris Wabubi, Director at the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS)
Dr. Chege, who led a previous audit team at Mediheal in 2023
In the interim, Dr. Martin Sirengo has been appointed to oversee both the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service and transplant-related operations.
5. Licensing Freeze on Foreign Practitioners
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has been ordered to suspend licensing of all foreign medical professionals, except those from East African Community (EAC) countries.
Additionally, the Council has been directed to conduct an audit of all currently licensed foreign practitioners and submit a report within 90 days.
“These actions are aimed at protecting public trust, patient welfare, and the integrity of our national healthcare system,” CS Duale emphasized.
The scandal has sparked national outrage and raised alarm over oversight failures in Kenya’s transplant programs. With the independent audit underway, the Ministry has promised transparency and firm action on any individuals or institutions found culpable.
Related: Inside Mediheal Organ Trafficking Scandal: Patients’ Kidneys Harvested, Sold Abroad
