The suspension of Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, the Chief Executive Officer of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, has triggered sharp reactions from medics following the death of a patient earlier this month.
The County Government of Mombasa interdicted Dr. Khandwalla after a 52-year-old patient, admitted on February 14 with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, died while undergoing treatment at the referral facility.
But medics say the patient was managed according to standard clinical procedures, noting that treatment decisions were made by the attending medical team and not by the CEO. They cited delayed referral from a private hospital and the unavailability of some critical equipment, blamed on outstanding supplier debts, as contributing factors.
“The CEO was not given a chance to explain or respond. As of yesterday evening, he was informed of his removal,” said Dr. Chibanzi Mwachonda, a psychiatrist at Coast General.
In a joint statement, consultants announced the suspension of elective procedures for seven days from February 24, 2026, with emergency services to continue.
“Medicine does not function under intimidation,” the doctors said.
Patient advocacy groups and residents, however, raised concerns over broader service delivery challenges at the hospital. Mathias Shipeta, Rapid Response Officer at Haki Afrika, said conditions at the facility had deteriorated, citing congestion in maternity wards and reported disruptions in oxygen supply.
Community leaders called for Dr. Khandwalla to step aside to allow an independent review of hospital operations.
“This is not personal. A human life was lost, and the CEO must step aside to allow investigations,” said Alamin Somo, chairman of the Mombasa Community Group.
Mariam Zubeir, secretary of the Old Town Community Group, warned that continued defence of the CEO could escalate tensions at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the county government defended the suspension, saying it was a procedural step. Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health Daniel Manyala said the interdiction did not imply guilt.
“The purpose of this process is both to determine accountability and to identify any gaps in service delivery or governance that may have contributed to adverse outcomes, so as to prevent avoidable loss of life,” Manyala said.
He also cautioned health workers against unlawful industrial action, warning that disruption of essential services could endanger patients and attract disciplinary measures.
However, doctors questioned the legality of the interdiction, arguing that Dr. Khandwalla was not issued with a preliminary notice to respond. They also disputed the existence of a deputy CEO position referenced during the suspension, saying it does not appear in the County Public Service Board organogram.
The medics are demanding the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Khandwalla, a public apology from Mohammed Soud Machele over alleged misinformation, and the formation of an independent investigative team under the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board to review the case.