
By Kennedy Nalyanya
A newly released report by an independent investigative committee has uncovered serious malpractice in organ transplant procedures at the Mediheal Group of Hospitals in Kenya, prompting calls for a criminal investigation into founder Dr. Swarup Mishra and three other unnamed individuals.
The committee’s findings detail a troubling pattern of unethical practices, including potential organ trafficking, exploitation of vulnerable donors, and violation of both national and international health laws.
Key Findings: Malpractice, Trafficking, and Exploitation
The investigative task force found clear evidence of malpractice in Mediheal’s transplant programs. According to the report, there were repeated instances where foreign patients received organs from unrelated Kenyan donors, often under suspicious circumstances involving large cash transactions.
The findings suggest a commercialization of transplants, a direct violation of Kenya’s Health Act of 2017, World Health Organization guidelines, and the Declaration of Istanbul, a global framework against organ trafficking.
A particularly damning allegation involves the exploitation of impoverished Kenyans, who were reportedly lured into selling their kidneys for relatively small sums, with little or no information about the long-term health consequences. In contrast, recipients—often foreign nationals—allegedly paid significantly more for the procedures.
Government Action and Suspension of Services
In response to growing concern, the Kenyan Ministry of Health had already suspended all transplant services at Mediheal hospitals earlier this year. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that kidney transplant operations were halted pending investigation.
Two senior Ministry of Health officials—Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi and Dr. Everlyne Chege—were also suspended in connection with the case to allow for an independent and transparent review.
Individuals Named for Criminal Investigation
The report calls for an immediate criminal probe into Dr. Swarup Mishra, the founder and owner of Mediheal Group of Hospitals. Three other individuals are also recommended for investigation, although their identities were not disclosed in most public reports. These individuals are believed to be medical staff or administrators involved in transplant operations.
Background: Prior Investigations and Controversies
This latest report follows a December 2023 multidisciplinary fact-finding mission, which also raised concerns about transplant practices at Mediheal. However, that report was never officially submitted or adopted due to internal disagreements.
Throughout the growing controversy, Mediheal has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Dr. Mishra and the hospital’s legal representatives have consistently maintained that all transplant procedures were conducted ethically and in line with international standards. The hospital has also expressed willingness to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations.
The committee’s revelations have intensified public scrutiny and media coverage, with local and international human rights organizations raising alarms over potential human rights abuses. The case is now seen as a critical test of Kenya’s ability to police its healthcare system and enforce laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.
The situation remains fluid as calls grow louder for legal accountability and systemic reform in Kenya’s organ transplant sector.
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