The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has revoked the operating license for the Sipili Maternity and Nursing Home following an expose by NTV.
On Thursday, February 24, KMPDC released a statement noting that the clinic which was exposed in the investigative piece dubbed “Doctored Evil” on allegations of assault is no longer operational.
The expose by NTV's Ngina Kirori implicated the institution's Director and staff members on claims of gross misconduct.
The revelation sparked public outrage as pressure mounted on the authorities to take stern action against the suspects.
KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Yumbya also ordered the closure of the facility pending the hearing and determination of the matter pointing out that the move was informed by the nature of the allegations.
“Consequently, you are hereby directed to close the facility with immediate effect and organize in consultation with patients’ relatives to transfer all the in-patients to other facilities of their choice within 24 hours,” stated Yumbya.
The regulatory body directed the hospital management to transfer all the admitted patients to other health facilities within 24 hours.
Laikipia County Health services County executives were also directed to coordinate and ensure a smooth transfer of all the affected patients to alternative facilities of choice.
“The Chief Executive Officer, NHIF, is also requested to ensure that any of the affected patients who are covered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund are facilitated appropriately,” Yumbya stated.
Sipili case is not an isolated one with previous investigative pieces revealing how quacks were running hospitals and in some cases, harassing patients. In 2018, Mugo wa Wairimu was sentenced to 11 years in prison, or to pay a fine of Ksh1.4 million after he was found guilty of running a medical clinic without a license.
Mugo maintained that his crimes did not warrant such a harsh sentence. He was also accused of unlawfully running an unregistered pharmacy, and managing a medical laboratory without a license from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Practitioners.
"When I come out of prison, I would like to commit a serious offence since it's like I am serving the same sentence," he stated.
