The Mombasa County Government has suspended the Chief Executive Officer of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), Iqbal Khandwala, over what it described as serious institutional governance concerns.
In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, the county said the decision was reached following a special sitting of the hospital’s board to deliberate on concerns relating to the conduct and performance of the CEO.
According to the statement, the board raised alarm over governance challenges that have affected the hospital’s relationship with stakeholders and the public.
“The Board noted with concern a sustained deterioration in institutional governance climate and stakeholder relations affecting the Hospital’s leadership interface with the community it serves, and general members of the public.
“These challenges have adversely affected public confidence and the Hospital’s operational environment.”
The board said that given the hospital’s central role in the county health system, it was necessary to safeguard institutional stability and credibility. It resolved that Khandwala’s continued stay in office was untenable pending further review.
The statement added that, in line with the County Public Service governance framework, the board formally recommended the suspension of the CEO to allow for a full governance review process.
To ensure continuity of services, the county government has appointed Dr. Sood Mohamed as Acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.
The county reassured residents that Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital remains fully operational, with all clinical services, emergency care, and hospital programmes continuing as scheduled.
It further pledged to strengthen governance, accountability, and public confidence across all county health institutions, noting that further updates will be issued once the review process is concluded.
The move comes days after the hospital came under fire over allegations of medical negligence after an emergency patient reportedly died while waiting for life-saving surgery amid a dispute over a Sh350,000 bill.
The deceased, Ali Kibwana, a night guard at the Mvita MP’s office, reportedly collapsed while on duty.
He was initially taken to a nearby private clinic for stabilisation before being referred to the county’s main referral facility.
His family said he remained in the emergency section for hours before being admitted for specialised care.
