Media personality Betty Kyallo has urged influencers to take greater responsibility and conduct thorough research before promoting anything that impacts their followers, especially when it concerns medical or cosmetic procedures.
This comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which a woman lost her life following cosmetic surgery.
Betty Kyallo emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and research when considering any medical or cosmetic procedure.
She urged influencers to exercise due diligence and verify the safety and credibility of products or services before recommending them to their audiences.
According to Kyallo, influencers play a critical role in guiding public opinion and must act with caution and integrity to protect their fans from potential harm.
Gov’t speaks
Kyallo’s comments follow the death of Lucy Wambui, who passed after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure at Ominicare Medical Limited, also known as “Body by Design,” located in Nairobi.
The Ministry of Health has since taken action against Ominicare Medical Limited. Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced the closure of the medical facility, citing significant non-compliance with medical institution regulations.
CLOSURE OF OMINCARE MEDICAL LIMITED FOLLOWING MALPRACTICE
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) November 2, 2024
FINDINGS IN PLASTIC SURGERY CASE pic.twitter.com/uxo5GAo3Al
PS Muthoni noted that an investigation by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) revealed that the centre failed to meet the required medical standards and safety regulations crucial for patient protection. The violations were found to be in breach of Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253).
“Following a tragic incident that led to the death of Ms Lucy Wambui who passed away after a plastic surgery procedure at Ominicare Medical Limited, operating as “Body by Design” in Nairobi, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) conducted a comprehensive investigation into the facility’s practices and standards,” Muthoni said.
She further reported that KMPDC’s comprehensive inspection highlighted that Ominicare Medical Limited was operating below the established standards necessary to ensure patient safety, a discovery that has raised serious concerns about regulatory oversight in Kenya’s medical industry.
“The findings revealed serious non-compliance with medical institution regulations, specifically under Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253).”
Amber Ray
Socialite Amber Ray, who in the recent past collaborated with the medical centre has since released a statement regarding the unfortunate incident.
According to Amber Ray, she did research before getting into a partnership with the centre noting that she was also seeking more information to understand what happened.
“I am deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Lucy Ng’ang’a. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly painful time. Losing a mother, wife, and friend is a profound tragedy, and I offer my sincere condolences to all affected by this loss. Having collaborated with Body by Design Kenya, I feel it’s important to address the concerns that many of you have shared with me. Whenever I engage with a brand, I do my best to thoroughly research and ensure that the partnership aligns with values of safety and integrity, both for myself and for those who trust my recommendations,” Amber Ray stated.
“This incident is concerning, and as a patient myself, I am seeking more information and understanding of what transpired. I hope that the ongoing investigation and legal processes will bring clarity and justice to this situation, shedding light on what happened and offering the family the answers they deserve. Thank you all for your support, patience, and understanding as we wait for more information to emerge,” she added.
