Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered an immediate nationwide crackdown on quack medics.
Following the death of a patient after a botched tooth extraction, sparking fresh outrage over unregulated medical practice in the country.
The CS said the tragic incident, which allegedly involved an unqualified practitioner operating outside their mandate.
Duale underscored the urgent need to clean up the health sector and protect patients from untrained individuals posing as professionals.
He also described the incident as “unacceptable and avoidable,” vowing firm action against those endangering lives.
Speaking during a press briefing, Duale directed health regulatory bodies, county governments and law enforcement agencies to jointly identify, arrest and prosecute unlicensed medical practitioners.
He warned that facilities employing unqualified staff would also face closure and possible deregistration.
“This government will not allow quack medics to continue gambling with the lives of Kenyans,” Duale said, adding that patient safety remains a top priority under the current health reforms.
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In a major policy move, the CS announced that the Ministry of Health will introduce a comprehensive Scope of Practice framework aimed at clearly defining and regulating medical roles across the health sector.
The framework will outline what each cadre of health worker is legally allowed to do, closing gaps that have been exploited by unqualified practitioners.
According to Duale, the Scope of Practice guidelines will apply to both public and private health facilities and will be enforced through existing professional regulatory councils.
Medical workers found operating beyond their approved roles will face disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation.
Health experts have long warned that weak enforcement and staff shortages have allowed untrained individuals to perform complex medical procedures, particularly in informal clinics and rural areas.
The latest death has renewed calls for stricter oversight and public awareness.
Duale also urged Kenyans to verify the credentials of health workers and report suspicious facilities to authorities.
He noted that the ministry will intensify inspections and roll out public education campaigns to help citizens distinguish between licensed professionals and impostors.
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