Doctors risk losing their licenses as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) puts hospitals on notice over major invasive procedures and the use of professional credentials.
In a circular issued on September 22, 2026, KMPDC said it issued the notice under its mandate to regulate the training and practice of medicine and dentistry and protect the public, as provided under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, Cap. 253.
“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (“the Council”) issues this Circular pursuant to its mandate under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, Cap. 253, Laws of Kenya, to regulate the training and practice of medicine and dentistry and to protect the public,” the circular stated.
KMPDC Warns Hospitals Over Major Procedures
KMPDC has reminded all health institutions and healthcare providers that only medical and dental personnel duly registered and licensed by the Council may perform major invasive procedures.
The practitioners must also perform the procedures within the scope of their registration and current practicing license, according to the Council.
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KMPDC said allowing unqualified persons to perform major invasive procedures exposes patients to avoidable harm and constitutes an offense under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, Cap. 253, and related health laws.
“Unqualified persons performing major invasive procedures expose patients to avoidable harm, undermine professional standards, and constitute an offense under Cap. 253 and related health laws.”
Health facility managers and administrators have been directed not to permit, schedule, or advertise major invasive procedures unless a Council-registered and licensed practitioner is physically responsible for the procedure and the patient’s care.
From the circular, health institutions that allow unqualified persons to perform such procedures or facilitate the misuse of practitioners’ credentials may face regulatory sanctions, including suspension or cancellation of their facility licenses.
Sharing Credentials With Other Practitioners
KMPDC has reminded practitioners that registration numbers, practicing licenses, professional stamps, signatures, and other professional credentials are personal and must not be lent or shared.
The credentials must not be used by another person to obtain pre-authorization from insurers, the Social Health Authority, or other payers, or to falsely indicate that a procedure will be or has been performed by the named practitioner.
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Practitioners who allow others to use their credentials for pre-authorization, billing, or related purposes will be held personally liable, according to the Council.
“Any practitioner who allows another person to use their credentials for pre-authorization, billing, or related purposes shall be held personally liable,” KMPDC said.
KMPDC said such conduct may amount to professional misconduct or fraud and could lead to disciplinary proceedings, including suspension or cancellation of registration or licenses, as well as possible civil or criminal liability.
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