Dr Swarup Mishra. Photo/BioVax Kenya
By Newsflash Reporter
President William Ruto has suspended Dr Swarup Mishra from his role as chair of the Kenya BioVax Institute with immediate effect, as his Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret finds itself at the centre of a growing organ transplant scandal.
The suspension was announced on April 18, 2025, in a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.
According to the statement, Mishra’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of investigations into serious allegations of unethical and illegal activities related to kidney transplant procedures conducted at Mediheal Hospital.
The facility, founded by Mishra, is under scrutiny for allegedly violating ethical and legal standards in its transplant program.
“The suspension shall remain in force pending the outcome of investigations into serious allegations of unethical and illegal activities involving kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre in Eldoret,” the statement read.
Mediheal at the Heart of Ethical Storm
Mediheal, a prominent private healthcare provider, has previously promoted itself as a leader in fertility treatment and specialized surgeries, including organ transplants. However, the hospital is now at the centre of a scandal that has rocked the medical fraternity and raised concerns about the oversight of transplant practices in Kenya.
Read more:How senior health officials doctored organ transplant dossier
Mishra, a former Member of Parliament for Kesses constituency and a well-known medical professional, has not yet responded to the allegations or the presidential directive. His removal from BioVax, a key government institution tasked with vaccine production and biotechnology advancement, marks a significant blow to his public profile.
The scandal surrounding Mediheal Hospital comes amid rising public concern over possible exploitation of vulnerable patients and loopholes in Kenya’s organ transplant regulations. Activists and healthcare watchdogs have called for urgent reforms, including tighter controls and transparent accountability mechanisms within private medical institutions.
President Ruto used the announcement to reaffirm his administration’s tough stance against corruption and abuse of power in public service, especially in sectors as critical as healthcare.
“The President reaffirms the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption, including upholding integrity in healthcare, public safety, and justice for victims,” said Mohamed.
This development adds to a series of recent actions taken by the government to address malpractice in Kenya’s health sector. From procurement fraud to unregulated clinical procedures, the sector has come under increasing scrutiny as the Ruto administration pushes for reform and improved service delivery.
