KMPDC orders closure of Body by Design following death of patient after surgery

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) recently took decisive action following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui, who passed away after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure at Ominicare Medical Limited, also known as "Body by Design" in Nairobi.

The Council conducted a thorough investigation into the facility's compliance with medical standards, particularly examining its adherence to patient safety regulations outlined in Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253).

The investigation uncovered multiple areas where Ominicare Medical Limited fell short of the required standards.

According to the KMPDC's findings, the facility operated below acceptable safety and quality benchmarks, which are critical to ensuring the health and protection of patients. These lapses in compliance led the Council to issue an immediate closure order for the facility, halting all operations until essential corrective measures are fully implemented to bring it up to code.

In a statement, KMPDC officials emphasised that the decision to shut down Body by Design was not taken lightly, but was necessary to protect the public and ensure that healthcare facilities meet established safety standards.

The Council has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the specific circumstances surrounding Wambui's treatment and the practices within the facility. This includes a deep examination of the roles and responsibilities of the medical staff involved in her care.

KMPDC aims to assess the extent of any potential professional misconduct or negligence and to hold those responsible accountable. This, they say, is part of a broader effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Danstan Omari, a lawyer representing Ominicare Medical Limited, defended the facility, asserting that it is a legitimate and licensed medical establishment, registered as a level 3 hospital.

Lawyer Omari clarified that the clinic has been operating for over nine years without any prior fatal incidents, noting that the institution has a track record of safety and quality in patient care.

According to Omari, all necessary certifications are in place, and the facility is staffed by qualified doctors who hold practising certificates issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. He also highlighted that all practitioners specialising in cosmetic and plastic surgery at Ominicare are also certified by relevant regulatory bodies.

Omari dismissed the notion that "Body by Design" is simply a spa or beauty centre, maintaining that it is a healthcare facility subject to rigorous vetting and regulatory oversight. He added that the facility has even undergone preliminary vetting processes to potentially elevate it to a level 4 hospital.

Omari argued that this level of scrutiny demonstrates the institution's dedication to maintaining healthcare standards and prioritising patient safety.

Safety standards

The case has highlighted critical concerns about the standards of medical facilities offering cosmetic and plastic surgery services, and the incident has reignited discussions on the regulatory oversight of such institutions in Kenya.

The KMPDC has expressed its commitment to enhancing regulatory measures to ensure that all medical facilities, especially those performing high-risk procedures, adhere to strict patient safety protocols.

The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, working through the KMPDC, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare across Kenya.

In a statement, the Department emphasised that it will continue to monitor compliance and take swift action against institutions that fail to meet regulatory requirements. The KMPDC assured the public that updates on the ongoing investigation would be shared in due course, aiming to promote transparency and accountability within the healthcare system.