A private hospital in Kenya is reportedly under investigation over suspicious operations feared to be linked to illegal human organ transplants. So-called transplant tourism is thought to have involved foreign recipients — including ing Britons — paying up to £151,000 for organs sourced from impoverished donors.
An inquiry into Mediheal Hospital in Eldore found “suspicious activity for trafficking”, and highlighted that the name “Yusuf” appeared as next of kin in an unusual number of cases involving foreign recipients. A separate investigation German media outlets Der Spiegel, ZDF, and DW uncovered heartbreaking evidence of exploitation among both vulnerable donors desperate for money and desperate recipients given organs that were not always a good match.
One 22-year-old donor, Amon Kipruto Mel, told the reporters his friend had suggested donation was a quick and easy way to make £4,500.
He was transported to Mediheal Hospital where he claimed he was not informed of any of the health risks.
After the operation, he became dizzy and weak and was eventually paid only £3,000.
Kenyan health secretary Aden Duale reviewed the official reports on the hospital and told a newspaper “this cannot go on ever again on my watch”.
He confirmed that his department was investigating the hospital.
Maryline Limo, vice president of Mediheal Group of Hospitals, told Kenyan media that all transplants carried out were legal; that Mediheal was not involved in sourcing the donors, and that there was no financial incentive for the donors.
It is illegal to buy or sell an organ anywhere int he world, with the exception of Iran.
But estimates suggest that one in 10 organs transplanted around the world come from illegal sources.
