KMPDC Issues Report, Gov’t Launches Investigation Into Lucy Wambui’s Death After Botched Plastic Surgery
The Ministry of Health is looking into the death of Nairobi-based Instagram celebrity Lucy Wambui at a city clinic following plastic surgery.
Wambui, a social media influencer, underwent cosmetic surgery at Omnicare Medical Clinic, also known as Body by Design, and was discharged on October 18.
She became ill while at home and returned to the facility, but was transferred to a top city hospital, where she underwent additional surgery.
She died four days later in the intensive care unit (ICU). Wambui was married to prominent Nairobi businessman Francis Ng’ang’a, the CEO of Valley Road Motors and Village Market Auto Bazaar. She has two children.
The Ministry of Health expressed “deep concern” upon receiving the report of Wambui’s death, confirming that it was caused by complications from a surgical procedure.
Council Statement on Fatal Outcome of Surgical Procedure.@koske_felix @MOH_Kenya @_shakenya @KenyaMedics_KMA @kenyadental @KaphKaph2000 @RuphaKenya @HealthProfKE @ohakcoho @kammpofficial @KenyaHealthPOA @KenyaHealthFed pic.twitter.com/sAPDbiYf7r
— Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (@KmpdcOfficial) November 2, 2024
The specifics of the surgery were not disclosed. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni stated that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has launched an investigation into the death.
KMPDC has temporarily closed its plastic surgery and body sculpting clinic.
“A team has been dispatched to the facility to conduct a fact-finding mission aimed at assessing whether the necessary professional standards were met in Lucy’s care,” she said in a statement.
“Any evidence of malpractice or deviation from established norms will be addressed with appropriate action, in line with applicable laws.”
The PS stated that the ministry, through the State Department for Professional Standards, reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a skilled health workforce with the competencies to provide high-quality care.
“Robust frameworks are in place to regulate healthcare services, uphold ethical standards, protect consumers and foster public trust in health services,” she said.
Omnicare Medical Clinic issued a statement saying it did a good job and that 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.
CLOSURE OF OMINCARE MEDICAL LIMITED FOLLOWING MALPRACTICE
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) November 2, 2024
FINDINGS IN PLASTIC SURGERY CASE pic.twitter.com/uxo5GAo3Al
In February, KMPDC reported that surgeries are the most common cause of medical complaints in Kenya.
Between 2019 and 2023, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council received the most complaints (26%), relating to obstetrics and gynaecology.
The next most common complaint area is general surgery (12%), followed by internal medicine (11%).
Internal medicine doctors diagnose and treat adults with a wide range of internal conditions, such as heart, liver, lung, and intestinal issues.
According to KMPDC chief executive Dr. David Kariuki, more Kenyans are filing complaints against hospitals for what they perceive to be unfair charges.
According to the analysis, charging was the fourth most common source of patient complaints (7%).
“The council only regulates what doctors can charge, and in most cases, the doctor’s fee forms less than 30 per cent of a patient’s bill. We have no control over what hospitals charge,” he said.
Kenyans are also complaining about orthopaedics practitioners (4%) and paediatricians (4%), who treat children.
The analysis covers 484 complaints filed between 2019 and the end of 2023. Only 227 of the 484 cases are pending.
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Dr. Kariuki stated that patients have filed 1,534 complaints since 1997. “These cases are not only against doctors but also against health facilities,” he said.
Dr Kariuki stated that the council received only 94 complaints last year, compared to 110 in 2022, 90 in 2021, 80 in 2020, and 110 in 2019.
Obstetrics and gynaecology practitioners are more likely to be sued globally because the risks are higher than in other areas of medical practice, and errors are more common.
However, not all errors are the result of negligence. The council has quasi-judicial powers to hear medical negligence and malpractice cases.
KMPDC Issues Report, Gov’t Launches Investigation Into Lucy Wambui’s Death After Botched Plastic Surgery
