Kenya’s health body Closes 75 hospitals, Arrests 6 unlicensed Practitioners

In a crackdown on non-compliance with licensing regulations, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has closed down 75 health facilities in Narok County. The move came after a joint 5-day inspection by KMPDC officials and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), conducted in collaboration with the County Government of Narok.

During the inspection, which took place from November 6 to November 10, 2023, a total of 255 facilities were visited, leading to the closure of 75 facilities found to be operating without proper licenses while six health practitioners were arrested for operating without the necessary approvals.

According to Philip Ole Kamwaro, the Director of Corporate Services at KMPDC, the closed facilities were operated by unqualified practitioners who had not been approved by the council.

Kamwaro emphasized that the inspection aimed to ensure compliance with health standards set by KMPDC.

KMPDC issued a stern warning, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against health facility owners operating without valid licenses.

The council reiterated that engaging practitioners within their scope of practice is crucial to avoid legal consequences.

Highlighting its commitment to regulating medical practitioners and facilities, KMPDC stated that over 3,900 health facilities have been inspected nationwide in the past eleven months, resulting in the closure of 609 facilities due to non-compliance.

In a related development, KMPDC published a notice on Saturday listing 3,851 health facilities and 3,050 medical and dental practitioners who have yet to renew their licenses.

The council noted that some of these facilities had neglected to renew their licenses for periods ranging from one to twelve years, including faith-based institutions.