KMPDC defends vetting of foreign doctors amid rising concerns

Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki at a past event./FILE

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has dispelled claims that licensing and recruitment of foreign medical practitioners does not follow due process.

KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki said the council conducts thorough evaluations of all foreign medical practitioners as prescribed by law.

“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.

While acknowledging concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the licensing of foreign medical practitioners in Kenya, Kariuki pointed out that safeguarding the well-being of patients is at the core of KMPDC's mandate.

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

The licensing of foreign medical practitioners is 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.

In a statement, Kariuki said the two laws provide clear guidelines on the registration process, ensuring that all practitioners meet the required qualifications and standards before being granted a license to practice in Kenya.

Kariuki’s statement comes hot on the heels of a demand by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) for an investigation into the licensing and recruitment of foreign doctors in the wake of rising cases of unethical medical practices and organ trafficking.

The union claimed medical practitioners are brought to the country, contracted, and hired through practices that circumvent ethical and professional standards.

“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.

In his response, Kariuki said KMPDC is currently undertaking a comprehensive audit of all foreign medical practitioners licensed to practice in Kenya, in line with a directive from the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale.

“Upon completion, the council will release a detailed report within 90 days to provide transparency and address any concerns regarding the licensing process,” he stated.

He added that KMPDC remains steadfast in its commitment to regulating medical practitioners and health facilities to ensure that quality, ethical, and accessible healthcare is delivered to all Kenyans.

“We value the trust placed in us by the public and stakeholders and will continue to uphold our mandate with integrity and professionalism,” he said.