“I regret not stepping aside earlier,” says suspended Mediheal chairman as legal and medical experts defend hospital’s practices
Dr. Swarup Mishra, founder of Mediheal Group, flanked by senior counsel Katwa Kigen, addresses the press at Mediheal Hospital, Eldoret, amid transplant scandal investigations.
Dr. Swarup Mishra, the founder and chairman of Mediheal Group of Hospitals, has broken his silence following the suspension of transplant services at Mediheal Hospital and his removal as Chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute amid allegations of organ trafficking. Speaking at a press conference in Eldoret, Dr. Mishra expressed regret for not stepping aside earlier to allow investigations to proceed unhindered.
“I was burying my father in India when the news broke,” Dr. Mishra stated solemnly. “Had I been in the country, I would have stepped aside much earlier to allow a smooth investigation process.”
Flanked by five senior advocates led by veteran lawyer Katwa Kigen, Dr. Mishra reiterated his readiness to cooperate with all government agencies and parliamentary bodies conducting the probe.
“I have no bad feelings against anyone,” Mishra added. “I am hopeful that investigations will vindicate both myself and Mediheal. If I am found guilty of any wrongdoing, I am ready to face the consequences.”
Legal Defense and Regulatory Framework
Lawyer Katwa Kigen emphasized that Mediheal’s transplant program has been operating within the framework of Kenyan law and international medical guidelines.
“All transplants at Mediheal have been conducted under Section 8 of the Health Act, which provides for the legal and ethical parameters governing organ transplants,” said Kigen. “Furthermore, the hospital strictly adheres to international protocols regarding donor-recipient consent, medical ethics, and transparency.”
Kigen underscored that every transplant procedure is documented, including legally binding agreements between donors and recipients. According to the legal team, this paper trail spans at least one year for each transplant.
Performance Record and Technological Edge
Maryline Limo, Vice President of Mediheal Group of Hospitals, highlighted the facility’s record of 476 successful kidney transplants since 2018, including 105 for foreign patients. She noted that the hospital boasts a 98% transplant success rate with a mortality rate of just 2%, and zero donor fatalities.
Maryline Limo, Vice President of Mediheal Group of Hospitals addressing the media
We have the best renal unit in Africa, valued at $5 million,” Limo said. “Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technologies, which have reduced waiting times and recovery periods for patients.
Dr. Srinivasa Murthy , a consultant nephrologist at Mediheal and a transplant specialist with over 20 years of experience, added that the hospital’s gene-to-gene donor-recipient matching technology is unique in Africa and a key reason patients from countries like Israel, Germany, Oman, and the U.S. travel to Kenya for treatment.
Medical Tourism and International Tensions
Since 2018, 62 Israeli, 3 German, and 372 Kenyan patients have undergone kidney transplants at Mediheal. The cost disparity—$35,000 for international patients compared to $2,500 for African nationals—has contributed to the facility’s popularity.
“Our short waiting periods and advanced genetic matching are setting global standards,” said Dr. Murthy. “We’re proud that Kenya is on the world map for offering such critical services.”
Mediheal Hospital Eldoret, home to one of Africa’s most advanced renal transplant units, now at the center of a high-profile investigation into organ transplant practices
However, Dr. Mishra hinted that some global players in the medical tourism industry might be uneasy with Kenya’s growing reputation in organ transplant excellence.
“This is not a political witch hunt,” he emphasized. “It could be discomfort from countries not ready to see Kenya rise as a medical destination.
Background on DW Investigation
The current controversy was sparked by a Deutsche Welle (DW) investigative report alleging that Mediheal was involved in transplant tourism and possibly exploiting vulnerable donors. The article cited patterns such as repeated use of donors from countries like Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and identical next-of-kin information among multiple recipients—raising red flags about the legality and ethics of the transplants.
In response, Kenyan authorities have suspended organ transplant activities at Mediheal and launched a multi-agency probe. President William Ruto also suspended Dr. Mishra from his government role at Kenya BioVax Institute, pending the outcome of the investigations.
Despite the heavy scrutiny, Dr. Mishra insists he and the hospital will fully comply with investigations, maintain transparency, and continue to uphold medical ethics.
“Let the process be fair, let the truth come out. If we’re innocent, we’ll be cleared. If not, I will take responsibility,” he concluded.
As the investigations unfold, the country watches closely, balancing its aspirations to become a medical tourism hub with the imperative to protect ethics, legality, and human dignity in healthcare.
Eldoret Media Hub, a working space for journalists based in Uasin Gishu County set up by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) through a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) grant.
The facility was officially opened in August 2021 by the MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
