Gov’t Promises Action On Cosmetic Surgery Facilities Following Woman’s Death
The government, through the Ministry of Health, has vowed to take strong action against the health facility where Lucy Wambui allegedly died as a result of a botched cosmetic surgery.
In a statement issued on Friday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni revealed that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has already launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
PS Muthoni also stated that a team of experts was dispatched to the Nairobi Hospital to conduct a fact-finding mission to determine whether the necessary professional standards were met during the cosmetic procedure prior to Lucy’s death.
Statement on the Passing of Lucy Wambui: The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has launched an investigation. pic.twitter.com/y5MJlTJhxl
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) November 1, 2024
“The Ministry of Health has received with deep concern the report of Lucy Wambui’s tragic passing following complications from a surgical procedure at a Nairobi hospital,” the Ministry of Health affirmed.
“Any evidence of malpractice or deviation from established norms will be addressed with appropriate action, in line with applicable laws.”
The Health PS, through the State Department for Professional Standards, went on to reaffirm her commitment to ensuring skilled health workers have the competencies needed to provide high-quality care.
According to the Ministry of Health, strong frameworks were already in place to regulate healthcare services, maintain ethical standards, protect consumers, and foster public trust in healthcare.
While discussing the issue, the government urged Kenyans to check 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 ministry directed Kenyans.
PS Muthoni’s statement came hours after a Lavington-based medical facility denied any wrongdoing but insisted that the woman had visited the hospital for plastic surgery.
Despite dismissing the allegations, the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) closed the facility to pave the way for investigations.
However, the hospital’s owners, through their lawyer Danstan Omari, filed an application to stop the closure.
Lawyers representing the Body by Design medical facility hold a press conference in Lavington, Nairobi to address recent controversies surrounding the clinic.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) November 1, 2024
They denied allegations that the deceased female patient identified as Lucy Wambui died during a cosmetic procedure at… pic.twitter.com/UfYEQ1zzGg
The facility’s owners argued in their application that the hospital was fully registered and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
ALSO READ:
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
- “NO MORE NIL TAX RETURNS!” – KRA Tells Kenyans, Introduces New Changes
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
According to lawyer Danstan Omari, the facility was fully equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and surgeons.
“It is a registered medical facility certified as a hospital-level 3. It has all the requisite medical licenses and doctors’ practising certificates,” Omari stated.
“It has been in operation for almost 10 years. To have qualified to become a hospital, they went through rigorous vetting.”
The hospital owners also claimed that the order to close the medical centre was unconstitutional, irrational, and unreasonable and that it had resulted in an abrupt disruption of their operations.
Gov’t Promises Action On Cosmetic Surgery Facilities Following Woman’s Death
