The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has expressed concerns about the emergence of individuals claiming to be doctors and offering treatment through social media platforms in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, February 6, 2025, KMPDC put on notice such doctors without the necessary qualifications to be physicians.
“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council is concerned about the increase in the number of online platforms where individuals claiming to be medical professionals provide false medical advice and treatment to unsuspecting users,” KMPDC statement read in part.
“These ‘doctors’ pose a significant risk to public health, as their diagnoses and treatment plans are often based on unverified or outdated information, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or even exacerbating underlying health conditions.”
Five years in prison
KMPDC cautioned unqualified individuals from giving medical advice through social media platforms, noting that such characters could face five years in prison or pay a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million.
“Section 22 (3) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act CAP 253, Laws of Kenya states that Any person who uses the title “doctor” unless he is registered or licensed under this Act medical practitioner or dentist or has acquired doctoral qualifications or has obtained such qualifications which entitles him to use that title, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both,” KMPDC CEO Dr David Kariuki warned.
“Further, it is an offence under Section 22 (2) of CAP 253, Laws of Kenya, to use the title Dr (Medical/dental) without the requisite qualifications or to purport to offer medical/dental services while using this title. This offence carries the penalties of a fine not exceeding KES 5,000,000, Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.”
Verify KMPDC doctors
The council urged Kenyans seeking medical advice or attention to verify the people administering the treatment or medical facilities by making use of the SMS platform provided by KMPDC.
Kariuki urged members of the public to verify the authenticity of doctors and health facilities through the KMPDC registers or the SMS service.
“To verify a doctor, send P#Full Name of Practitioner or P# Registration number or via SMS to 20547,” Kariuki emphasised.
“To verify a health facility, send: H#Full Name of Facility or Registration Number to 20547.”
