Ministry of Health has dispatched a team to a health facility in Nairobi where a woman reportedly died from complications during a surgical procedure.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the team will conduct a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing whether the necessary professional standards were met in Lucy Wambui’s care.
“Any evidence of malpractice or deviation from established norms will be addressed with appropriate action, in line with applicable laws,” she assured.
She reaffirmed that the ministry, through the State Department for Professional Standards of its commitment to ensuring a skilled health workforce equipped with the competencies necessary for delivering high-quality care.
“Robust frameworks are in place to regulate healthcare services, uphold ethical standards, protect consumers, and foster public trust in health services,” she said.
“To safeguard public health, we encourage citizens to verify the credentials of healthcare providers and facilities. Please confirm the status of medical practitioners by sending a free SMS to 20547 using the format: P#Doctor's Name, or to check a hospital, H#Hospital Name.”
The clinic has distanced itself from allegations of botched cosmetic surgery linked to the death of Wambui.
The facility said it is well-equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and qualified surgeons.
The clinic has filed a court application challenging a closure notice issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
The facility wants the court to issue an order quashing the closure notice posted at the entrance to the premises, suspending the facility’s operations pending investigations.
The clinic argues that KMPDC’s closure notice is unconstitutional, irrational and unreasonable, and seeks an order to prevent any disruption to its daily operations.
The applicants say in court papers that Wambui underwent a successful procedure and was due to be discharged on October 17. However, she requested a voluntary extension of her stay, which was granted by the facility.
The documents further state that the deceased later complained of chest pains and was attended to by doctors and nurses at Omnicare and later discharged.
She left the facility on October 22, 2024, after confirming that she was ready to be discharged on the recommendation of the facility’s doctor.
The management further stated that she returned to the facility but the clinic was already closed for the day, but assigned a doctor who followed her to another hospital where she died while undergoing a second procedure on October 26.
