Ministry probes woman's death after surgery at City clinic

The Ministry of Health has dispatched an investigative team to a Nairobi clinic where Lucy Wambui reportedly died following complications from a surgical procedure. The team, led by officials from the State Department for Professional Standards, aims to assess if professional standards were upheld in Wambui’s treatment.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni addressed the investigation, emphasising the ministry’s dedication to quality in healthcare services.

"Any evidence of malpractice or deviation from established norms will be addressed with appropriate action, in line with applicable laws,” she assured.

PS Muthoni added that the ministry’s priority is public safety and that robust regulatory frameworks are in place to ensure healthcare services meet ethical standards and protect consumer rights.

She encouraged citizens to verify healthcare providers’ credentials, advising, “To safeguard public health, we encourage citizens to verify the credentials of healthcare providers and facilities by sending a free SMS to 20547.”

The clinic at the centre of the controversy has distanced itself from allegations of botched cosmetic surgery, claiming it is fully equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by qualified surgeons.

According to court documents filed by the facility, Wambui underwent a successful procedure and was expected to be discharged on October 17. The clinic asserts that Wambui voluntarily extended her stay, leading to her discharge on October 22 after confirming her readiness.

Following her discharge, the clinic stated that Wambui returned with complaints of chest pain but arrived after the facility had closed. The clinic claimed to have arranged for a doctor to meet her at another hospital, where she later died on October 26 while undergoing a second procedure.

In response to the incident, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) issued a closure notice for the facility, citing the need for an investigation. However, the clinic has filed a court petition challenging the order, calling the notice “unconstitutional, irrational, and unreasonable.”

The clinic is seeking an order to quash the closure notice, arguing that it disrupts daily operations and harms its reputation.

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