A recent report commissioned by the International Society of Nephrology and carried out by the Kenya Renal Association (KRA) has exposed alarming allegations against Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. The report reveals involvement in alleged organ smuggling over an unspecified period, implicating the hospital in a complex syndicate engaging in unethical transplant activities.
According to the report, Mediheal Hospital stands accused of participating in illicit kidney transplants, including the sale of kidneys and transplant tourism, which violate both international and local laws.
Shockingly, buyers from overseas were allegedly purchasing kidneys for as low as Sh700,000.
“This is in direct violation of the World Health Organization resolutions, the Declaration of Istanbul, and Kenya’s Health Act of 2017, which prohibits organ trade,” the report states.
The report underscores how these networks exploit individuals, coercing them into selling their kidneys for far less than their worth, often under hazardous conditions, endangering the donors’ health.
Moreover, it reveals that the trade thrives due to the high demand for kidney transplants and the limited availability of legal organs.
“Inadequate legal oversight and corruption within some sectors of the medical community perpetuate this illicit trade,” the report asserts.
Furthermore, kidneys are reportedly shipped abroad, fetching prices as high as Sh4 million.
The committee started the investigation because of serious complaints about ethics. They collected evidence for two years, including stories from donors and recipients. It shows big ethical problems and the harm done to Kenya’s medical reputation worldwide.
In condemning Mediheal Hospital, the association raises concerns about the trust between donors and practitioners, emphasizing the need for ethical transplant practices.
“Unethical practices undermine the trust in voluntary donation, leading to a decrease in willing donors and increasing the costs associated with organ transplants. This fosters a harmful black market for organs, with potential risks including human trafficking and violence,” the report notes.
The report further claims that the transplants were conducted under the watch of relevant ministry officials and calls on the government to intervene urgently.
The Fall of Mediheal Hospital
The Kenya Renal Association has recommended suspending Mediheal Hospital’s license pending a full investigation and taking disciplinary action against all medical personnel involved.
Mediheal Hospital, associated with former Kesses Member of Parliament Dr. Swarup Mishra, has faced ongoing financial woes, leading to the closure of several branches across the country, including the Eldoret branch.
Despite receiving approximately Sh1.7 billion from NHIF claims since 2021, the facility has faced financial difficulties. And this has led to the closure of several branches of the hospital across the country. An auction of properties owned by Mishra and his wife under Mediheal Group Limited is scheduled, indicating the extent of the financial crisis.
Mediheal management attributed the facility’s downturn to the government’s withdrawal of medical coverage and non-payment of NHIF funds for teachers and the police force without explanation.
The facility’s financial difficulties have raised concerns about its ability to provide essential medical services to the public.
By Vivian K.