The government has on Tuesday, October 19, revoked the license of an Eldoret-based hospital for withholding a body of a deceased patient.
In a press statement released by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the regulatory body confirmed that they had canceled the license of the hospital after the family of the deceased raised a complaint with the council.
The council further stated that they had also decided to cancel the license of the hospital's director.
"KMPDC CEO Daniel Yumbya has canceled the license of Reale Hospital Eldoret and the Hospital's Medical Director Dr. Erick Kipkoech Ruto for failing to release a detained body of a former patient," the council stated.
In their statement, the body acknowledged that they had tried to intervene in the matter on numerous occasions but to no avail.
"The council notes with concern that despite communication to yourselves on September 28 and October 15, directing your institution to release the body of the deceased for interment, you have failed, refused, and neglected to comply with the said order," read the statement.
In addition, the council warned the hospital of further action adding additional conditions to the hospital’s management.
"In view of the above, the council hereby orders for the immediate unconditional release of the body of the deceased to the family for burial rites and confirm the same to the council in writing."
“Failure to comply with the order above within 24 hours, the council orders that the license of the hospital and that of the director stand canceled with effect from October 21 at noon pursuant to the cap 253 Laws of Kenya," KMPDC stated.
The regulatory body further stated that they would take action against hospitals that detain bodies of deceased over unpaid medical bills.
"Other Health Facilities in the same category will face the same consequences," the council stated.
KMPDC is the body mandated to regulate health facilities in the country through registration and licensing.
