Renal Association Calls for Suspension of Mediheal Hospital Due to Unethical Kidney Transplants

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The Kenya Renal Association calls for the immediate suspension of Mediheal Hospital’s operating licenses in Eldoret, citing alleged unethical kidney transplants and violation of international and national regulations.
• The hospital’s challenges include financial constraints, with medical services disrupted, and it faces legal action amidst allegations of illegal transplant activities.

The Kenya Renal Association has urgently called for the suspension of Mediheal Hospital’s operating licenses in Eldoret, citing allegations of unethical kidney transplants conducted at the facility. 

According to a statement released on May 3, the association expressed deep concern over what they described as a growing trend of “transplant commercialization and transplant tourism” at the hospital, activities explicitly prohibited by law.

Citing international and national regulations, including World Health Organization resolutions, the Declaration of Istanbul, and Kenya’s Health Act 01 of 2017, the association emphasized that such practices directly contravene established ethical standards and legal frameworks, particularly those prohibiting organ trade.

Read Also:

Gov’t, Doctors Fail To Agree Again As KMPDU Officials Storm Out Of Talks

Cyclone Hidaya’s Impact on Kenya Expected to be Minimal Thanks to the Equator

Kilifi Governor Mung’aro Threatens To Dump Shakahola Bodies At KNH

Over the past two years, the association noted, evidence has been accumulated through testimonies from both donors and recipients, revealing alarming ethical violations, including the exploitation of vulnerable donors. 

Consequently, they are advocating for the immediate suspension of the hospital’s license, as well as disciplinary measures against implicated medical personnel.

In addition, they are calling upon law enforcement agencies, specifically the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, to swiftly pursue legal action against individuals involved in illegal transplant activities.

This development unfolds amidst significant challenges facing the Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret, with medical services at its branch experiencing disruption due to financial constraints. Notably, the facility has become a target for auctioneers, as part of a broader action against properties linked to former Kesses Member of Parliament, Swarup Mishra.

Read Also:

Maasai Mara Association Dismisses Tourist Fatalities in Floods, Confirms No Human Casualties

Woman Arrested For Posing As EACC Lawyer, Extorting Millions

During a recent visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Health to the Mediheal facility, management attributed the institution’s struggles to the government’s withdrawal of medical cover and the withholding of NHIF funds without explanation.

Efforts to obtain a response from the hospital regarding the allegations have been unsuccessful, with the hospital indicating a forthcoming statement on Monday, May 6, 2024.