The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a warning to health facilities and the public, urging vigilance against unlicensed medical and dental practitioners operating in the country.
In a public notice on 10 June, KMPDC reminded all healthcare stakeholders that employing or practicing without proper registration and licensing is a serious criminal offense under Kenyan law.
“Any person practicing as a medical or dental practitioner without being duly registered and licensed by KMPDC commits an offence,” the notice stated.
Violators face fines of up to Ksh 5 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both under Section 22(1) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253).
KMPDC Warning on Fake Doctors
The Council also warned health facility administrators that engaging unregistered or unlicensed professionals, including foreign nationals will attract even stiffer penalties.
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According to Section 22(4), such institutions could face fines up to Ksh 10 million or five years behind bars.
KMPDC also added that all foreign practitioners, including those pursuing postgraduate studies, must be registered and licensed before engaging in any clinical practice or training.
They are also restricted to practicing only in the facilities specified on their licenses.
Additionally, the regulatory body urged immediate reporting of any unlicensed practitioners currently working in health facilities, stating that it is actively conducting inspections and audits across the country.
Public Safety
“KMPDC is committed to upholding patient safety and quality healthcare,” said Dr. David G. Kariuki, the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. “Allowing unqualified practitioners to operate undermines public trust and endangers lives.”
The Council’s renewed enforcement efforts come amid rising concerns over unregulated medical practices and the infiltration of unqualified personnel in the health sector.
To verify the authenticity of their medical doctors and facilities through or via SMS to 20547.
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“To verify a doctor, send: P#Full Name of Practitioner or P#Registration Number. To verify a health facility, send the following: H#Full Name of Facility or Registration Number,” part of the statement read.
Section 22 (3) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act CAP 253 also outlines the same repercussions for Kenyans who use the title without acquiring the qualifications.
About KMPDC
KMPDC is the statutory body established under the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253) to regulate the training, practice, and licensing of medical and dental professionals in Kenya.
Its mission is to ensure the provision of quality and ethical healthcare through appropriate regulation of training, registration, licensing, inspections, and professional practice.
The Council is also mandated to regulate all health facilities within the country, including private and mission hospitals, medical and dental centers, clinics, nursing and maternity homes, and standalone funeral homes.
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