Hospitals, clinics, and dental practices seeking new or renewed licences must now register online after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) issued fresh directives requiring all health facilities to shift to modernised healthcare regulations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, KMPDC revealed the major shift from manual paperwork to a fully digital system expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and data security across the sector.
“In a move to modernize healthcare regulation, KMPDC has launched a fully digital health facility registration system. This initiative aligns with the Council's broader mandate to streamline operations, promote transparency, and enhance service delivery,” the statement read in part.
The new mandate requires all hospitals, clinics, and dental practices to submit their registration applications via an online portal instead of using the traditional paper-based process.
According to KMPDC's CEO, David Kariuki, the digital overhaul aligns with Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate technology into public service delivery and governance.
To register for the new system, applicants must provide the facility name, location, and classification; details of director(s); services offered; personnel available; and certified documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws.
According to KMPDC, the new system will reduce errors, eliminate delays, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Applications will undergo automated validation and real-time auditing, enhancing accountability.
Once an application is submitted, KMPDC officers will conduct inspections, after which registration will be processed within 21 working days. Healthcare providers will also receive automated updates via email at each stage of the registration process.
KMPDC has, however, warned facilities that incomplete or inaccurate information will face rejection.
“Any discrepancies result in rejection, underscoring the need for accurate and honest submissions,” Kariuki warned in the statement.
Digital transformation mostly comes with concerns over how safe data is, but KMPDC has assured that the new system will fully safeguard sensitive health data, as the system is compliant with the Data Protection Act, 2019. All information entered into the system is encrypted, ensuring privacy and limiting unauthorised access.
While KMPDC championed the move, citing the end of tedious paperwork and the improved accessibility of registration services, concerns remain about digital accessibility, especially in rural areas where internet connectivity remains inconsistent.
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