An independent investigation into the operations of the Dialysis Center at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center, has uncovered allegations of severe overcrowding, inadequate medical services, and what patients and staff described as ‘inhumane treatment of individuals suffering from kidney disease.’
Following months of undercover investigations, and interviews with patients, and medical personnel, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, this news outlet found that the only public dialysis center, is struggling to meet the growing demand for life-saving treatment.
Although, the facility is reportedly intended to provide 24-hour dialysis services, our investigation established that it currently operates from 8 a.m. to 8: p.m., leaving many patients unable to receive treatment despite having scheduled appointments.
One of the female patients (not named), and currently undergoes dialysis every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, recounted her ordeal after being turned away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, due to ‘overcrowding.’
The woman said, after paying for her scheduled treatment, medical staff informed her that the dialysis machines had become overheated, and needed time to cool down.
She said, by the time the machines were ready for use, the facility had already closed for the day; a situation that forced her to return home without receiving the treatment she urgently needed.
Another patient, a male, whose dialysis sessions are scheduled for every Tuesday and Thursday, criticized the “deteriorating services” at the center despite the substantial fee patients are required to pay.
He explained that dialysis patients depend on strict treatment schedules to survive, warning that missing even a single session, can lead to life-threatening complications or death.
The investigation further revealed that seven out of 10 dialysis machines the Japanese Government donated have reportedly broken down, leaving the center to rely on only three aging functional machines that have significantly depreciated, and are no longer capable of adequately serving the growing number of patients.
Sources within the facility disclosed that eight new dialysis machines have however been procured, but without a dialysis chair or bed, they are not installed, due primarily to lacked of trained technicians to install the equipment.
The same sources also questioned management’s decision to discontinue its relationship with the Japanese Government that previously supplied, and supported the center with essential materials, including the existing machines, but rather chose to procure equipment from another manufacturer.
Our reporter also discovered how disturbing the allegation uncovered during the investigation, concerning the reported deaths of two dialysis patients on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Sources alleged that both patients died while under the dialysis machine, and undergoing treatment, but unfortunately passed away due to the faulty and depreciated machines.
However, circumstances surrounding those deaths could not be independently verified, and the center has not publicly commented on the allegations.
According to our reporter, medical staffs who have continued to provide professional services with the limited resources, and material available expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths, stating a life lost worth a life living.
Patients waiting in the lobby for treatment reported that it was shocking when JFK management allegedly failed to fully inform President Joseph Nyuma Boakai about the challenges confronting the facility when he visited the center on Wednesday, July 1, rather, accompanied the President only through sections of the facility that appeared good. The tour avoided areas where patients reportedly endure overcrowding, and prolonged waiting periods.
They described management alleged action as “misleading.”