The government through the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has launched investigations into the circumstances under which businesswoman Lucy Wambui died after undergoing a surgical procedure in Nairobi.
Wambui underwent a surgical procedure in one of the popular clinics in the city before she developed complications and returned to the hospital from where she was referred to Nairobi Hospital where she died.
In a statement on Friday, November 1, 2024, the Ministry of Health’s Principal Secretary for the Department of Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said that the council would be conducting a probe to establish whether professional standards were met during the surgical exercise.
“An investigation has been initiated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to this incident. 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,” PS Muthoni said.
Surgical integrity
She reiterated that the Ministry would at all times ensure its commitment to ensuring a skilled health workforce equipped with the competencies necessary for delivering high-quality care.
Additionally, Muthoni observed that any evidence of malpractice or deviation from established norms will be addressed with appropriate action, in line with applicable laws.
She encouraged Kenyans to be vigilant with the places where they obtain healthcare services, urging citizens to conduct due diligence before receiving treatment from facilities they doubt their authenticity.
“To safeguard public health, we encourage citizens to verify 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,” Muthoni added.
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, media personality Betty Kyallo warned women to thoroughly research companies offering cosmetic surgery before committing to any procedures.
Through her Instastories Kyallo advised caution amid an increase in botched surgical procedures, some of which have led to fatal consequences.
“Ladies, we all need to be careful with companies that come out with well-put-together advertising, especially when it comes to changing our bodies through cosmetic surgery,” she said.
