The Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, following concerns regarding his conduct and performance in office.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Office of the County Secretary and Head of County Public Service in Mombasa said the hospital’s board reached the decision during a special meeting convened to assess operational challenges that have reportedly eroded public confidence in the institution.

According to the statement, the board expressed concern over what it described as a continued decline in governance standards and strained stakeholder relations, which have negatively impacted the hospital’s leadership engagement with the community and the wider public.

The board emphasized the hospital’s pivotal role within the county’s healthcare system, underscoring the importance of safeguarding institutional stability and credibility. The county government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing governance, accountability, and public trust across all county health facilities, noting that further communication would be provided once the governance review process is completed.

Dr. Khandwalla’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a comprehensive governance review. In the interim, Dr. Sood Mohamed has been appointed to serve as Acting CEO.

The County Government of Mombasa also assured the public that the hospital continues to operate normally, with all clinical services, emergency care, and other programs proceeding without interruption.