Suspended Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO Iqbal Khandwalla will face a fair and expedited hearing before the hospital board.

Through acting Health CEC Dan Manyala, the Mombasa County Government says the process is aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening accountability at the county’s main referral facility.

County officials maintain Khandwalla’s suspension is procedural and does not imply guilt.

The county administration has conveyed condolences to families who recently lost loved ones at the hospital amid rising public concern.

Staff have been warned against engaging in any unlawful industrial action that could disrupt critical health services.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir is expected to meet the board to agree on immediate measures to safeguard patient care and restore confidence.

While announcing decision to suspend Khandwalla, the office of the County Secretary & Head of County Public Service of Mombasa said that the hospital’s board made the decision during a special sitting to discuss the state of the institution’s operations that have been affecting public confidence.

“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,” the statement noted.