The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his role as chairperson of BioVax following an ongoing investigation into a kidney transplant scandal linked to Mediheal Hospital, which he owns.
The Kenya BioVax Institute is a state-owned agency established to manufacture, package, and commercialize specialized health products and technologies, including vaccines, therapeutics, and other biomedical products.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
In a statement released by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the probe.
“The President reiterates the government’s resolve to fight corruption and uphold integrity, particularly in the health sector, to ensure public safety and justice for victims,” the statement read.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had earlier suspended two senior health officials for allegedly interfering with investigations into the transplant scandal at Mediheal.
Speaking during a press briefing, CS Duale said the move was necessary to allow independent investigations, free from any conflicts of interest.
He also announced the immediate suspension of all kidney transplant procedures across Mediheal Group of Hospitals.
READ ALSO: Gov’t Suspends Kidney Transplant Services at Mediheal Hospitals
“This action follows serious allegations of medical malpractice and ethical breaches involving transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret,” Duale said. “Given the severity of the claims, all kidney transplant services at Mediheal facilities are hereby suspended.”
The Health Ministry emphasized its commitment to patient safety and rebuilding public confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
Duale also revealed that an Independent Expert Committee had been established to conduct a thorough audit of all kidney transplant procedures performed at Mediheal over the last five years. The committee will examine governance practices, clinical protocols, ethical adherence, and patient safety, with a final report due within 90 days.
To ensure continuity and oversight during the audit, Dr. Martin Sirengo was appointed as the acting head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS).
In a move to tighten regulatory oversight, the CS directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to suspend licensing of new foreign medical practitioners, except those from East African Community countries. He also instructed KMPDC to conduct a full audit of all foreign medical professionals currently operating in Kenya and submit a report within 90 days.
These reforms, Duale said, are intended to improve regulatory controls and align Kenya’s medical standards with global benchmarks.
Meanwhile, patients in need of kidney transplant services were advised to seek care at accredited facilities including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital–Eldoret, Nairobi West Hospital, and Mater Hospital.
