The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC) has warned Kenyans to beware of unregistered hospitals, clinics and pharmacies offering medical and dental services.
In a notice on Friday, November 10, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Kariuki said medical and dental services can only be provided in health facilities that are registered and licensed to operate in Kenya.
“Members of the public are advised to seek treatment from health facilities that are registered and licensed to operate by the Council,” said Kariuki.
Additionally, KMPDC said is mandated by law to carry out inspection of all health institutions and ensure that they comply with the Laws of Kenya.
“Standalone laboratories and pharmacies are registered and licensed within their regulatory framework for the specific purposes of diagnostic testing and medication dispensing,” said the Council.
Further, KMPDC warned that individuals found operating unlicensed health facilities will pay a fine of Ksh.10 million or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years.
“Section 22 (5) of CAP 253 stipulates that a person who uses premises as a health facility which premises are not licensed as a health institution commits an offence and shall be liable to on conviction to a fine not exceeding ten million shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both,” stated KMPDC.
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Unregistered & Registered Hospitals
Besides, the Council explained that invasive procedures such as those involving injection of medications, procedures requiring local anesthetics and procedures on teeth are considered medical services.
For this reason, KMPDC said these procedures are required to be undertaken in health facilities and by practitioners that are registered and licensed.
Also, the Council advised members of the public to check the list of health facilities that are registered and licensed to operate in Kenya for the year 2023 at https://kmpdc.go.ke/Registers/MTreg/facilities.php.
Alternatively, the registration and licensing status of a health facility can also be verified through SMS by sending a message: H#Name of facility to 20547 or H#Registration number of facility to the same number.
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About KMPDC
KMPDC was established under Section 3 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Act (CAP 253, Laws of Kenya).
It is mandated to regulate the training and practices of medicine, dentistry and community oral health.
The Council is also tasked with regulating health facilities withing the republic of Kenya.
