Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has issued a strong warning to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), urging them to refrain from accrediting unqualified or non-compliant medical facilities. He emphasized that any officer involved in malpractice, especially within the compliance or registration departments, will face serious consequences, stating that “it will not be business as usual.”
In his maiden visit to the KMPDC offices in Nairobi, Hon. Duale highlighted the importance of upholding integrity, transparency, and dedication to public service as prescribed under Section 33(2) of the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act. He called on the Council to fulfill its critical responsibility of ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of age or economic status, have access to safe, high-quality healthcare delivered by qualified professionals.
Hon. Duale further emphasized the central role the Council plays in advancing the nation’s health agenda, particularly in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He urged KMPDC to adopt a unified approach in working toward these goals, reflecting integrity and transparency in their operations, while maintaining a commitment to timely service delivery, teamwork, and the efficient use of public resources. His call for accountability is particularly important in the context of the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, where regulatory bodies must remain vigilant against unqualified practitioners.
During his address, Hon. Duale assured the KMPDC of the Ministry’s full support in strengthening the Council’s capacity. This will include legislative reforms, resource mobilization, and improved coordination with counties and professional bodies to enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare service delivery across Kenya. By reinforcing KMPDC’s capabilities, the Ministry aims to ensure that the regulatory framework can keep pace with the growth of the healthcare sector.
A key aspect of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the Ministry’s Digital Health Agency, which Hon. Duale described as a pivotal tool in identifying and taking action against unqualified medical practitioners. The agency’s role is to safeguard the public from substandard care and to support the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enforce stringent healthcare standards.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga also stressed the importance of a clear competency framework and a robust system for evaluating professional practice. This framework, he argued, is essential for maintaining high standards across the healthcare sector, ensuring that professionals are not only qualified but also competent in their respective fields. Dr. Oluga’s input reflects the Ministry’s commitment to elevating the professionalism of healthcare services and ensuring that they meet the needs of the population.
Public Health Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth also attended the meeting, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts between the Ministry and the KMPDC. They reiterated the government’s support for ongoing initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and ensuring that Kenya’s healthcare system is capable of delivering on its promise of Universal Health Coverage.
The KMPDC team, including CEO Dr. David Kariuki and Chair Prof. Stanley Khainga, expressed their commitment to the principles outlined by Hon. Duale and reiterated their dedication to improving healthcare regulation in Kenya. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose to ensure that healthcare services remain safe, accessible, and of the highest possible standard for all Kenyans.
The Health Ministry’s push for reforms and better regulatory oversight is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Kenya and in ensuring the successful implementation of the country’s Universal Health Coverage goals.
