Kenya Renal Association has put Mediheal hospital in Eldoret on the spot over alleged unethical kidney transplants performed in the facility.
In a statement dated May 3, the association said reports indicate an increasing trend of transplant commercialization and transplant tourism at the facility involving the sale of kidneys and the importation of patients for the purpose of transplantation.
“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,” read part of the statement.
“Evidence gathered over the past two years from donor testimonies and recipient accounts suggests significant ethical breaches, including exploitation of vulnerable donors from local communities.”
Mediheal Hospital Under Fire
The association further said the practice has not only endangered the health of both donors and recipients but has also damaged the reputation of Kenya’s medical community internationally.
“Kidney donors play an essential role in transplantation, receiving no physical benefits and relying solely on the psychological and spiritual satisfaction of aiding another,” the statement further read.
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“Ethical handling and extensive pre-and post-operative care are crucial to ensuring their health and well-being.”
Furthermore, the renal associations said the unethical practices undermine the trust in voluntary donation, leading to a decrease in willing donors and increasing the costs associated with organ transplants.
Kenya Renal Association said the practice consequently fosters a harmful black market for organs, with potential risks including human trafficking and violence.
Renal Association Demands Suspension of Mediheal Hospital
Following the revelations, the Renal association recommended for immediate suspension of Mediheal Hospital’s license pending a full investigation.
Also, they demanded for suspension of the licenses of all medical personnel involved asking for the initiation of disciplinary actions.
Other demands included the review and potentially revision of the regulatory role of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council concerning Mediheal Hospital.
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Subsequently they directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to expedite legal actions against individuals involved in illegal transplant activities.
Kenya Renal Association further requested for publicizing of the findings and recommendations of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services report.
“Immediate and decisive actions are required to eliminate these unethical practices to protect the integrity of kidney transplantation in Kenya,” they said.
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