NAIROBI, Kenya – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is now pushing for urgent organ donation laws amid rising demand and ethical concerns.
CS Duale announced the move when he visited Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to assess progress in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the government’s transformative agenda.
“Beyond this clinical feat, I wish to underscore the urgent need to establish a robust regulatory framework for organ donation and transplantation in Kenya,” said the CS.
Why CS Aden Duale heaped praises on KUTRRH
As access to transplants increases, CS Duale observed that there was a need to ensure that every procedure adheres to the highest standard of ethics, transparency, and safety for all our patients and donors.
“Today, I wish to acknowledge an important milestone in this hospital’s journey, the successful completion of the first kidney transplant, which is a major achievement. Not just for this institution but for our entire healthcare system,” added the CS.
Visited Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to assess progress in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under the government’s transformative agenda.
According to the CS, Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral and Research Hospital joins the ranks of national facilities capable of delivering complex life-saving procedures like kidney transplants done within the law, very ethically, and within the right procedures.
“Don’t go to those facilities that are under investigation. Go to the right facilities. And if we do more kidney transplants, then we shall reduce more of the dialysis procedures that we do in our public and private health facilities,” explained CS Duale.
What makes KUTRRH a centre of excellence
The CS also disclosed that the hospital has cutting-edge technology in diagnosis and treatment ranging from cancer care to the treatment of heart diseases, among others.
“The Ministry would support the hospital to make sure that this technology and investment would result in quality healthcare for our citizens. I take cognisance that technology alone is not enough, and as part of our commitment to strengthening the referral system, we are working to build capacity at all levels of care and reduce unnecessary referrals abroad,” explained the CS.
Health CS Aden Duale pushes for urgent organ donation laws amid rising demand and ethical concerns Video By Gitau Wanyoike
He reiterated that as a country, we must reverse the trend of outbound medical travel by investing in local excellence, training, and infrastructure.
“The Ministry is actively reviewing the existing laws and policies to ensure the system is protected from abuse and that organ donation and transplantation are carried out in a just and accountable manner,” said the CS.
