The Kenya Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate closure of Omnicare Medical Limited, a Nairobi-based facility operating under the brand “Body by Design,” following the tragic death of Lucy Wambui after a plastic surgery procedure. The closure was enforced on November 2, 2024, by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), which found severe non-compliance with medical standards, putting patient safety at risk.
In a statement, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBS, Principal Secretary for Public Health, emphasized the necessity of high standards in healthcare. “The inspection found that the facility was operating below the required medical standards, failing to meet patient safety regulations crucial for protecting the health and well-being of patients,” she stated. The Ministry’s order requires Omnicare to halt operations until it fully complies with patient safety standards.
The inspection by KMPDC revealed violations of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, specifically Sections 4 and 15, which mandate strict adherence to medical institution regulations. According to Muriuki, “The Council has ordered the immediate closure of the facility to ensure public safety until all necessary corrective actions are implemented to guarantee compliance with patient safety standards.”
The Ministry of Health also launched a broader investigation into the incident to determine accountability, focusing on both the institution and the staff involved in Wambui’s treatment. “The Council is examining the extent of culpability and determining the appropriate actions to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents of malpractice,” Muriuki added.
Muriuki reaffirmed that “the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards through KMDC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of healthcare across Kenya and will continue to monitor compliance to protect public health.”
