The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The government is planning to establish a specialised anti-fraud police unit to combat the growing problem of unlicensed and untrained individuals offering illegal medical services in the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the unit will spearhead a nationwide crackdown on fake clinics and unqualified practitioners, working closely with officials from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to enforce compliance with health regulations.
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“We will take firm action. We are in the process of forming an anti-fraud police unit to deal with fraud in the health sector,” Duale said, warning unlicensed practitioners to stop operating immediately.
The CS added that the Ministry of Health will digitise the healthcare system through a central database capturing all licensed doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and health facilities, while also flagging illegal operators.
Duale emphasised that no health facility can legally operate without approval from the KMPDC, noting that a multi-agency task force is being formed and the council’s budget will be increased to strengthen enforcement.
The move follows the death of a patient, Amos Isoka, who died after complications arising from a botched tooth extraction by a suspected quack dentist in Kawangware. Isoka later succumbed while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital after developing severe swelling affecting his neck, tongue and chest.
Duale announced that the government would waive all hospital bills incurred by the deceased at KNH, similar to assistance offered to victims of other public tragedies.
The ministry is also set to introduce a new regulatory framework known as the “Scope of Practice,” which will clearly define the medical procedures each health worker is authorised to perform based on their training.
“Once the Scope of Practice is implemented, healthcare workers will strictly operate within the limits of their professional training,” Duale said.
Meanwhile, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have revisited the illegal clinic in Kawangware to gather further evidence.
Items recovered include laboratory equipment, various drugs and an identification card bearing the name Lowrence King’atua Kamau.
Police have launched a manhunt for suspects believed to be behind the illegal operation, who remain at large.
