Eldoret: The administration of Mediheal Group of Hospitals in Uasin Gishu County has refuted allegations that they were involved in kidney trafficking. Through their legal team led by Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen, the hospital termed such claims as untrue and lacking ground, emphasizing that they provide kidney transplant services along with other high-end surgeries like open heart and neuro-spinal surgeries, adhering to international ethical and professional standards.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kigen stated that the hospital is not involved in any organ trafficking or criminal enterprise related to kidney transplants. He explained that the hospital's role is limited to providing medical services for transplants, with no involvement in how recipients and donors meet, and that the hospital only charges for the services rendered during the procedure.
Kigen further stated that Mediheal is prepared to provide any information in compliance with legal provisions regarding doctor-patient confidentiality and data protection. He asserted their readiness to cooperate with public and security agencies, medical boards, and other relevant committees to clarify the hospital's operations related to kidney transplants.
The hospital administration also addressed the allegations, stating that patients arrive through valid doctor referrals, family explanations, or the hospital's own assessment. Kigen noted that no non-African patients come to the hospital to receive organs from Kenyans, and that Mediheal has been audited by quality assurance institutions governing tissue transplants.
Dr. Swarup Mishra, the hospital's founder, highlighted their commitment to providing international standard, affordable medical care with a focus on preventive health, education, and research. He emphasized their innovative approach in offering specialized healthcare services, particularly kidney transplants, at competitive rates compared to developed countries, attracting patients from Israel, Germany, the U.S.A, and Somalia, among others.
Dr. Mishra clarified that the hospital has never been linked to any kidney transplant fraud, conducting procedures ethically with donor consent and verification. Since obtaining their operation license in 2018, Mediheal has conducted 476 kidney transplants with a mortality rate of less than two percent, attributed to post-operative issues such as anaphylaxis.
He urged the public to remain patient as the inquiry committee completes investigations into the kidney trafficking allegations, promising that the findings will be made public once available.