By The Weekly Vision Reporter
Members of Parliament have once again questioned the Mediheal Group of Hospitals over the integrity of its kidney transplant programme, amid investigations into allegations of possible organ harvesting and irregularities in the recruitment of patients for transplantation.
During a session of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Dr James Nyikal (Seme) on Monday, 10th November, members grilled Dr A. Srinivas Murthy, Chief Consultant Nephrologist at Mediheal, seeking clarification on the hospital’s transplant procedures, donor sourcing, and compliance with medical ethics.
Dr Murthy denied any wrongdoing, insisting that all transplants at Mediheal are conducted within Kenyan law. “There is no organ harvesting happening in Mediheal or anywhere else in Kenya, to my knowledge,” he said.
He explained that Kenya only allows live kidney donations from willing relatives or close acquaintances, unlike countries such as India or the United States, where deceased donor programmes are government-regulated. “The absence of a deceased donor framework continues to disadvantage patients who lack suitable living donors,” he added.
Endebes MP Dr Robert Pukose pressed Mediheal officials to explain inconsistencies in patient affidavits, particularly those involving foreigners who entered Kenya on medical visas.
Citing the case of a Swiss national, Maurice Nicholas Antonio, Dr Pukose said: “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 Murthy explained that some patients arrive before starting dialysis, and their conditions are confirmed, or worsen, upon arrival. “Many come with kidney disease but are not yet on dialysis. We counsel and start dialysis if necessary before transplantation,” he said. Lawmakers also questioned the participation of Kenyan specialists in the programme.
Mediheal Chairperson Dr Swarup Mishra said the hospital initially relied on Indian experts but had since trained local nurses and technicians. “When we started, we had Indian renal and ICU nurses. But after technology transfer, all nurses are now Kenyans,” he said, noting the difficulty in attracting full-time local nephrologists.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi called for a review of Kenya’s legal framework on organ donation, while Dr Nyikal confirmed that a Transplant and Organ Donation Bill is currently under review by the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Dr Mishra lamented misinformation on social media, accusing Mediheal of organ trafficking. “False statements were made in 2018, 2019, and 2021. We took legal action. It’s time to treat Africans in Africa,” he said.
The committee will continue reviewing documents and affidavits before making its findings public. “We will scrutinise every document carefully,” said Dr Nyikal. “If necessary, we may recall witnesses, including some of the patients.”
