The Kenya Renal Association has called for the immediate suspension of Mediheal Hospital’s operating licenses in Eldoret over alleged unethical kidney transplants performed at the facility.
In a statement dated May 3, the association expressed concerns about an increasing trend of “transplant commercialization and transplant tourism” at the hospital, which is prohibited by law.
“This is in direct violation of World Health Organization resolutions, the Declaration of Istanbul, and Kenya’s Health Act 01 2017, which prohibits organ trade,” the statement read.
The association cited evidence gathered over the past two years from donor and recipient testimonies, showing clear ethical breaches, including the exploitation of vulnerable donors. They called for the immediate suspension of the hospital’s license, as well as those of the medical personnel involved, urging for immediate disciplinary action.
Additionally, they demanded that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions expedite legal actions against individuals involved in illegal transplant activities.
The call for suspension comes amidst financial constraints affecting medical services at the Eldoret branch. Even auctioneers have targeted the facility as part of former Kesses Member of Parliament MP Swarup Mishra’s properties set for action.
During a visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Health to the Mediheal facility, the management attributed the downfall of the facility to the withdrawal of medical cover by the government and the non-payment of NHIF funds by the State to the hospital without any reason.
