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The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has announced a directive for health facilities operating in restricted areas to relocate.
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In a statement released on their official X account on March 12, the KMPDC highlighted that the affected facilities include those situated in petrol stations and residential buildings.
“Health facilities located in restricted areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, are hereby informed that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations,” the council stated.
The KMPDC has mandated that these facilities must relocate within six months to ensure a safe and conducive environment for both patients and the community.
“Failure to comply will result in closure,” the council warned.
The restriction is aimed at minimizing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety.
Additionally, the KMPDC pointed to safety concerns such as risks from flammable materials, insufficient infrastructure, and disruptions that could compromise patient care as reasons for the directive.
The KMPDC is responsible for overseeing the training, practice, and licensing of medical, dental, and healthcare institutions, including private and mission hospitals, medical and dental centers, clinics, nursing and maternity homes, and independent funeral homes.
In the past, the council has shut down several facilities for failing to meet the required standards. For instance, in March 2024, 80 facilities in Kajiado County were closed for not complying with licensing regulations.
“Some of the closed facilities were operating below the required standards, while others were unregistered or unlicensed, and some employed unregistered or unlicensed staff,” said KMPDC CEO David Kariuki.
A report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu in July 2024 revealed that more than 9,000 health facilities were not licensed by the KMPDC.
“According to an audit of the KMPDC database, out of 16,527 registered health facilities in 2023, only 7,518, or 46 percent, were compliant with licensing regulations,” the report stated.
This means that 9,009, or 56 percent, of health facilities were unlicensed, raising concerns about the quality of services provided.
A fully licensed facility must meet all necessary requirements, including equipment and medical staff, to ensure the provision of quality healthcare.
These findings were part of the audit report for KMPDC for the period ending June 30, 2023.
