Why health facilities in petrol stations and residential buildings face closure
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has ordered all health facilities operating in petrol stations and residential buildings to relocate within six months, warning that failure to comply will lead to closure.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has ordered all health facilities operating in petrol stations and residential buildings to relocate within six months, warning that failure to comply will lead to closure.
In a statement on Wednesday, KMPDC said these locations pose serious risks, including the spread of infections and safety hazards.
“To provide a safe and conducive environment for both patients and the community, these facilities must relocate within six months. Failure to comply will result in closure,” the council stated.
The directive aims to address various safety concerns, including the risks associated with flammable materials, inadequate infrastructure, and disturbances that affect patient care.
“Health facilities located in restricted areas, such as petrol stations and residential buildings, are hereby notified that these locations are unsuitable for healthcare operations. This restriction aims to reduce the spread of infections and ensure the safety of patients,” the statement read further.
KMPDC further emphasized that the decision was necessary to uphold patient safety and maintain healthcare standards.
“Additionally, safety concerns such as risks from flammable materials, inadequate infrastructure, and disturbances that compromise patient care necessitate this directive,” it added.
This directive comes just weeks after the Ministry of Health instructed KMPDC to shut down unregistered aesthetic clinics and beauty spas found operating illegally.
Investigations revealed that while most facilities offering plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures were compliant, 23 percent still failed to meet the required standards.
The issue of unregulated health facilities has gained attention following the death of a patient after undergoing plastic surgery at a Nairobi clinic late last year.
In response, the government is working on regulations for invasive cosmetic procedures to ensure safety and legal compliance.