The Ministry of Health (MoH) has shut down 728 healthcare facilities in five counties for failing to meet basic standards.
Out of these, 301 additional facilities have been downgraded following a nationwide inspection by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), Digital Health Agency (DHA), and Social Health Agency (SHA).
The affected facilities were found to be either unregistered, unlicensed, or operating below the required standards.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale stated that the crackdown is ongoing as the government works to eliminate quack medics and rogue clinics.
Duale said there is a nationwide crackdown on ghost facilities, quacks, and the misuse of public funds.
He stated that the inspection conducted in Nairobi, Mandera, Wajir, Kisii, and Nyamira established that hundreds of clinics in those major towns were operating without proper approvals, putting the lives of vulnerable Kenyans at risk.
These facilities are mostly found in informal settlements where low-income families are desperate for affordable healthcare.
“I urge the public to report fake facilities and unlicensed practitioners via toll-free number 147 as we work to build a health system that is affordable, accessible, and accountable to every Kenyan,” Duale said.
Health Facilities Closed in the 5 Counties
Out of 1,017 facilities inspected in Nairobi, 394 were closed down while 23 were downgraded.
In Kisii, 120 facilities were closed after an inspection exercise targeting 291 facilities. According to the Health Ministry, officers from KMPDC inspected 269 facilities in Mandera and recommended closing 58 facilities and downgrading 60.
Also Read: “I Get Messages from Suicidal Staff”: The Quiet Collapse of Kenya’s Health Workforce
In the county of Wajir, 239 facilities were inspected, with 77 closed and 114 downgraded. In Nyamira County, 167 facilities were inspected, resulting to the closure of 79 facilities, and downgrading of 41 facilities.
“We will go to all the counties, constituencies, and wards. I want to ask Kenyans to report two things: One, if they see a facility that is not qualified to be called a health facility, report them. Report those quack doctors and health workers that are risking the lives of Kenyans,” Duale said.
Also Read: Rethinking Masculinity and Mental Health: How to Help Men Speak up
KMPDC Documents
According to documents from KMPDC, many of these facilities were found to be operating with unqualified personnel, leaving patients exposed to serious health risks.
Duale remarked that some rogue medics have been running the facilities, minting millions from the defunct NHIF. The closure comes months after the Health CS promised reforms in the sector after taking over the docket.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
