The Ministry of Health has launched a fresh investigation into the Mediheal Group of Hospitals following serious concerns over ethical breaches and patient safety in its kidney transplant procedures. All transplant services at the facility were suspended in April, a move aimed at restoring public trust and dismantling cartel-like operations within the health sector.
The suspension follows an earlier 2023 investigation by a multidisciplinary team that flagged several irregularities in the hospital’s transplant processes. However, the initial report was never officially submitted to the Ministry and lacked full endorsement due to internal disagreements. It later emerged that some members of the committee declined to sign the report, claiming the final version had been altered and did not reflect the team’s consensus.
To address the flaws in the previous probe, a new independent expert committee was appointed to conduct a comprehensive audit of Mediheal’s kidney transplant services over the last five years. The scope of the review included clinical standards, ethics, and governance. The new report was submitted on July 22, with findings expected to guide further action.
Two senior officials were also suspended in connection with the earlier flawed investigation. These included the acting head of Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services and the Head of Technical Services at the Kenya Tissue Transplant Authority, both of whom played leading roles in the 2023 inquiry.
The move to suspend the officials is intended to ensure that the new probe remains independent and objective. There are growing concerns that the earlier report was compromised, with allegations that some members acted under external pressure to alter its findings.
In an effort to tighten regulation, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has been instructed to halt the issuance of new licences to foreign doctors, except those from East Africa. The council is also required to audit all foreign doctors currently operating in the country within 90 days.
Amid the unfolding situation, questions have been raised about the fate of patients who may have been exploited through unethical transplant practices. The Health Ministry has assured the public that accountability will follow based on the findings of the independent expert team.
With the final report now submitted, attention is focused on the next steps the Ministry will take to ensure justice for affected patients and restore confidence in Kenya’s health system.
