Govt's Response To Demand To Probe Over 1,600 Foreign Doctors

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) launched an audit of all licensed foreign doctors working in Kenya after the government flagged issues with how licenses are being granted.

KMPDC announced on Monday, April 29, that it will release a comprehensive report within 90 days to boost transparency and make sure healthcare services remain safe and professional.

Responding to concerns from different stakeholders, the council reiterated its dedication to upholding high standards in healthcare nationwide.

KMPDC also clarified that licensing for foreign medical professionals is strictly governed by Section 6(5) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act of 2019 and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Inspections and Licensing) Rules, 2022.

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council CEO David G. Kariuki. /KMPDC

“We wish to reassure the public and all stakeholders that the licensing process is carried out with the highest level of due diligence to uphold patient safety and maintain the standards of care expected in Kenya's healthcare system,” he stated.

“As the regulatory body mandated to oversee the training, licensing, and practice of medical and dental professionals, KMPDC is committed to ensuring the highest standards of healthcare delivery and patient safety."

According to KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki, the two laws lay out strict procedures for registering medical professionals, making sure only those who meet the necessary qualifications and standards are licensed to work in Kenya.

Kariuki’s remarks follow a recent demand by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which called for a probe into how foreign doctors are licensed and hired, amid growing concerns over unethical medical practices and alleged organ trafficking.

According to the union, some foreign doctors are being brought into the country and employed through backdoor methods that bypass ethical and professional guidelines.

“For Kenyan practitioners who remain unemployed after being educated using taxpayers' money, it is an insult that they are left to struggle, with some resorting to selling timber or hawking in the streets to earn a living,” the union said, adding that more than 1,655 foreign medical practitioners are employed and practising in the country, mainly in private hospitals within major cities and towns that target wealthy clientele and middle-class Kenyans.

KMDPU's statement came after Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale issued fresh orders to the Clinical Officers Council (COC), which is set to change how clinical officers are issued licences.

Citing Section 33(2) of the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act, the CS on Wednesday, April 23, emphasised the Council’s obligation to uphold integrity, evidence-based regulation, and transparency in the licensing and oversight of clinical officers and facilities.

In a firm directive, Duale stated: “Do not license any clinical officer trained in an institution that has not been duly merited, inspected, and audited by the Council.”

The CS reiterated that safeguarding the standards of training and professional practice is paramount to ensuring the health and safety of the public. To reinforce accountability, Duale instructed the Council to undertake a comprehensive re-inspection of all licensed health facilities and submit detailed reports to the Ministry.