Ruto suspends BioVax Chair Mishra over Mediheal Kidney saga

President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Swarup Mishra from his position as chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute, effective immediately.

In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the decision follows serious allegations of unethical and illegal activities related to kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital, which was founded by Dr Mishra.

“The suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations of unethical and illegal activities involving kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret.” Read the statement.

Adding that: “The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, including upholding integrity in healthcare, public safety, and justice for victims.”

On Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale ordered the immediate suspension of all kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals following the allegations of malpractice and ethical violations and announced the formation of an Independent Expert Committee to audit Mediheal’s kidney transplant operations over the past five years.

Speaking at Afya House, Duale said the decision was prompted by complaints surrounding transplant procedures at Mediheal’s Eldoret branch.

The committee will review governance structures, clinical practices, ethical compliance, and patient safety protocols, and is expected to submit its report within 90 days.

The CS further suspended Dr Maurice Wakwabubi, the acting head of the Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services (KBTTS), and Dr Everlyne Chege, who chaired a prior internal investigation into the matter in December 2023.

In the interim, Dr Martin Sirengo will serve as the head of KBTTS.

Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/duale-suspends-kidney-transplant-services-at-mediheal-hospital/