The Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has issued a stern warning to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) against licensing non-compliant medical facilities in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 22, the CS said that officers from the council found engaging in malpractice will face consequences. "It will not be business as usual," he said.
Duale has revealed that the ministry’s Digital Health Agency will spearhead the identification and the weeding out of unqualified medical practitioners across the country.
"Duale called on the Council to uphold integrity, transparency, and service to the public as stipulated under Section 33(2) of the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act," the ministry said.
KMPDC is responsible for accrediting medical practitioners and health facilities in the country, approving medical and dental training institutions, and ensuring compliance with established health standards.
The CS stresses that the council should be focused on upholding integrity and transparency to reinforce the country's healthcare system to achieve the ultimate goal of universal healthcare coverage.
"He emphasised the council’s pivotal role in ensuring all Kenyans, regardless of age or economic status, can access safe, quality healthcare delivered by qualified professionals," he added.
Duale, however, assured that the ministry will execute legislative reforms, resource mobilisation, and stronger coordination with counties and other professional bodies to ensure that the council guarantees high standards across the sector.
The announcement comes two weeks after the CS announced a crackdown on unqualified health practitioners and those using fraudulent means to receive funds from the Social Health Authority (SHA), as well as facilities operating unlawfully in the country.
Speaking on Monday, April 14, the CS said that the ministry will involve other security agencies to curb the cases.
According to the CS, the ministry has already flagged down and is probing several health facilities across the country for fraud and other irregularities.
"Some of these cases are not my responsibility; some of these cases I will refer to the agency that is responsible, such as the criminal justice system," he said.
Duale committed to working jointly with county governments to ensure accountability in the country's health sector.
