Davji Atellah Hits Out at KMPDC Over Directive to Chiromo Hospital

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has criticized the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) over its directive to evacuate patients and suspend services at Chiromo Hospital's Braeside Branch.

In a statement on Saturday, July 27, Atellah accused the regulator of displaying bias and inconsistency in how it enforces disciplinary action.

"The KMPDC's swift, drastic action against the Chiromo Hospital's Braeside Branch highlights a troubling bias and inconsistency in regulation,” he said.

Atellah questioned the urgency and scale of the council’s intervention, contrasting it with incidents at other major institutions, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

"When alleged murders and negligence occurred at KNH, where patients throats were slitted twice, we didn't see calls for patient evacuation or immediate closure.

"This immature, reactionary approach sets a dangerous precedent. We need effective, equitable and not emotional regulation. Where do they expect the evacuated patients to go?" he added.

On Friday, July 25, KMPDU ordered Chiromo Hospital Group's Braeside Branch to evacuate all patients following the death of Toto Touch CEO, Susan Kamengere Njoki.

In a letter addressed to the facility, KMPDU CEO David Kariuki said the move followed reports suggesting possible involvement of a hospital staff member in the circumstances leading to Njoki’s death.

"Following further reports indicating the possible involvement of a member of your staff in the death of Ms. Susan Kamengere Njoki, the Council issues the following directives effective immediately," the letter read.

The hospital was instructed to evacuate all patients within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the letter and cease all clinical services until further notice.

In addition, the branch was ordered to respond without delay to the letter and ensure the response includes copies of the postmortem reports, all relevant patient records, and documentation requested. 

Further, a report on steps taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future was required.

"These directives are issued pursuant to CAP 253 and subsidiary legislation legal notice 171, The Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Inquiry and Disciplinary Proceedings) (Procedure) Rules 2022, Rule 8, to ensure patient safety and restore public confidence in the health system," the letter added.