CS Duale cracks down on fake doctors and clinics with new digital rules

The Ministry of Health has launched a fresh push to clean up Kenya’s health sector through strict digital regulations meant to expose fake doctors and unlicensed clinics.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, while appearing before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation on Thursday, said the new rules are part of efforts to protect Kenyans from unqualified medical practitioners and illegal health facilities that have been deceiving and endangering patients.

“These regulations will bring order to a sector that has long been abused by unlicensed individuals running fake surgeries and clinics, some of which were even linked to massive losses under the defunct NHIF,” said Duale.

Data from the Ministry shows that fake doctors have infiltrated the healthcare system, setting up illegal facilities and posing as professionals.

Patients have unknowingly fallen victim to these schemes, with their health and safety at risk.

To address the problem, the government is introducing a digital system anchored on a health worker registry.

This will act as the official source of information for all health workers in the country. It will ensure that only licensed and qualified professionals are allowed to operate.

The registry will carry verified personal and academic details of all practitioners, including the regulatory authority that licensed them and proof of valid practice licences.

Health workers will be required to apply to the agency for registration in the digital system, which will only be accessible upon proof of valid licensing by the relevant regulatory body.

Duale said the digital platform will collect real-time data from professional regulators such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and the Clinical Officers Council.

This is aimed at closing any loopholes that may allow fraudsters to sneak into the profession.

“The regulations provide that any health data transmitted to the national health data bank or the county health data bank by a certified digital health solution shall be stored, reviewed, audited, updated, and secured in accordance with the Act and the Regulations,” Duale explained.

According to the Ministry, all information shared with the digital system will be subjected to constant audits to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The government also intends to tighten monitoring and oversight of digital health systems at the county level.

Duale maintained that fake health workers and clinics have long exploited the gaps in the health sector, especially under previous insurance schemes, and that this move is meant to restore trust and accountability.

He assured the committee that the Ministry will work closely with professional bodies to ensure all health data is properly managed.

“We have had these cases for a long time, we are going to strengthen the regulators, Mr. Chair, so that we have a working universal healthcare in Kenya. We want Kenya to be a model country,” stated the CS.

The proposed rules set out tough penalties for those found operating without proper credentials.

Offenders could face jail terms or heavy fines once the new digital health regulations take effect.