Renal Association recommends suspension of Mediheal Hospital over unethical kidney transplants

In a statement dated May 3, the association stated that they have received reports indicating an increasing trend of "transplant commercialization and transplant tourism" at the hospital which is prohibited by law.

"This is in direct violation of the World Health Organization resolutions, the Declaration of Istanbul, and Kenya's Health Act 01 2017. which prohibits organ trade," read the statement in part.

They added that evidence gathered over the past two years from donor and recipient testimonies have shown clear ethical breaches, including the exploitation of vulnerable donors.

They therefore want the hospital's license to be suspended as well as those of the medical personnel involved, calling for immediate disciplinary action.

They also demand "The Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to expedite legal actions against individuals involved in illegal transplant activities."

This comes as medical services at the Eldoret branch were paralyzed due to financial constraints as even auctioneers have targeted the facility as part of former Kesses Member of Parliament MP Swarup Mishra's properties set for action.

During the 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.

Attempts to seek a response from the hospital have turned futile as they promised a response tomorrow, Monday, May 6, 2024.