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The Ministry of Health has stated that Omnicare Medical Limited was operating below the required medical standards.
In a statement, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) conducted a comprehensive investigation into the facility's practices and standards.
The Ministry added that the findings revealed serious non-compliance with medical institution regulations, specifically under Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253).
“The inspection found that the facility was operating below the required medical standards, failing to meet patient safety regulations crucial for protecting the health and well-being of patients,” Muthoni said.
"In response, KMPDC ordered the immediate closure of the facility to ensure public safety until all necessary corrective actions are implemented to guarantee compliance with patient safety standards."
However, Omnicare Medical Clinic released a statement, saying it did a good job and Wambui was discharged in good health.
“Our team is collaborating closely with relevant authorities to ensure a full and objective review. We understand this is a challenging time for everyone involved. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and to allow for the investigation to proceed unhindered, we are unable to provide further details at this time.”
“We would like to confirm that the deceased successfully had her procedure done at our facility and was fully discharged from our facility,” it said.
The clinic 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 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.
The probe was launched after Nairobi-based Instagram celebrity, Lucy Wambui died after undergoing cosmetic surgery at Omnicare Medical clinic, also known as Body by Design, and was discharged on October 18.
She felt unwell while at home and returned to the facility but was referred to a top city hospital where she underwent another surgery.
She died four days later in the ICU.