Kenyan lawmakers are investigating the kidney transplant program at Mediheal Group of Hospitals over serious allegations of potential organ harvesting and irregularities in patient recruitment.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health questioned senior officials from the hospital chain, demanding clarity on its transplant procedures, donor sourcing, and adherence to medical ethics.
Dr. A. Srinivas Murthy, Chief Consultant Nephrologist at Mediheal, appeared before the committee and firmly denied any illegal activity. “There is no organ harvesting happening in Mediheal or anywhere else in Kenya to my knowledge,” he stated. He defended the hospital’s practices, insisting all transplants are performed within Kenyan law.
The scrutiny intensified as legislators pointed to specific inconsistencies in patient documentation. Endebes MP Dr. Robert Pukose cited the case of a Swiss national, Maurice Nicholas Antonio, who entered Kenya on a medical visa.
“If the patient came on a medical visa, it means he was already diagnosed abroad. But the documents show the illness was discovered here. That does not add up,” Dr. Pukose said.In response, Dr. Murthy explained that some international patients arrive with known kidney disease but before they need dialysis, and their condition is confirmed or deteriorates after they arrive in Kenya.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the level of Kenyan involvement in the specialized program. Mediheal Chairperson Dr. Swarup Mishra stated that while the hospital initially relied on Indian nursing staff, it has since trained and hired Kenyan nurses and technicians. He acknowledged, however, a continued difficulty in attracting full-time local nephrologists.
The hearing also highlighted systemic issues in Kenya’s healthcare framework. Dr. Murthy noted that Kenya only permits live donations from relatives or close acquaintances, unlike countries with government-regulated deceased donor programs.
“The absence of a deceased donor framework continues to disadvantage patients who lack suitable living donors,” he said.In light of the investigation, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi called for a review of Kenya’s legal framework on organ donation. Committee Chairperson Dr. James Nyical confirmed that a Transplant and Organ Donation Bill is currently under review by the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Dr. Mishra used the platform to lament what he called a campaign of misinformation on social media, accusing Mediheal of organ trafficking. “False statements were made in 2018, 2019, and 2021. We took legal action,” he said.
The committee has not yet reached a conclusion. Dr. Nyikal confirmed that they will continue to scrutinize the provided documents and affidavits.
“We will scrutinize every document carefully,” he said. “If necessary, we may call back witnesses, including some of the patients.”
