The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council is concerned about the increase in the number of online platforms where individuals claiming to be medical professionals provide false medical advice and treatment to unsuspecting users.
These ‘doctors’ may pose a significant risk to public health, as their diagnoses and treatment plans are often based on unverified or outdated information, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or even exacerbating underlying health conditions.
Section 22 (3) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act CAP 253, Laws of Kenya states that Any person who uses the title “doctor” unless he is registered or licensed under this Act as a medical practitioner or dentist or has acquired doctoral qualifications or has obtained such qualifications which entitles him to use that title, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.
Related Content: The United States Has Officially Left The World Health Organization (WHO)
Further, it is an offense under Section 22 (2) of CAP 253, Laws of Kenya, to use the title Dr (Medical/dental) without the requisite qualifications or to purport to offer medical/dental services while using this title. This offense carries the penalties of a fine not exceeding KES 5,000,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to verify the authenticity of doctors and health facilities through the KMPDC registers at https://kmpdc.go.ke/Registers/practitioners.php or via SMS to 20547:
- To verify a doctor, send: P#Full Name of Practitioner or P#Registration Number
- To verify a health facility, send: H#Full Name of Facility or Registration Number
Journalists and publishers are urged to use these free resources to ensure accurate information is disseminated and to help combat misinformation and disinformation.
Related Content: Why Kenyans Should Embrace Health Insurance With Flexible Premiums
