Fake doctor arrested in Kayole after defrauding patient sh60,000 with false liver diagnosis

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has apprehended a 45-year-old man accused of fraudulently operating a medical clinic in Kayole Phase 1, Nairobi.

Detectives and officers from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) arrested the suspect at his medical facility following an investigation into a complaint one of his patients filed, questioning his medical qualifications. 

According to DCI, the 31-year-old male victim reported that between March 1 and March 27, 2024, the fake medical officer charged him over Sh60,000 for sample tests purportedly conducted at laboratories in reputable medical facilities.

Subsequently, the victim was diagnosed with a liver disorder and provided a prescription.

“Despite being given a prescription, the patient's condition deteriorated, forcing him to seek the opinion of another specialist at the Nairobi West Hospital,” the detectives stated.

However, upon seeking a second opinion, the victim learned that he did not have any liver conditions. 

“No lab test run at the hospital pointed to any liver issues,” the police added.

The investigation revealed that the suspect's medical reports were fake. Additionally, the PPB confirmed that he lacked registration as a medical officer and did not hold a business registration certificate.

Inside a medical facility managed by a quack doctor in Kayole, who was arrested on Friday, April 12, 2024. (Photo: DCI)

“Launching investigations, detectives uncovered that the medical reports issued to the patient by the quack purporting to be lab results from German Medical Centre, Jubaland Imaging Centre, and Mater Hospital were all fake and falsified,” the detectives disclosed. 

Kamukunji detectives arrested the suspect and charged him prior to arraigning him in court. 

Meanwhile, PPB urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing pharmaceutical products and to buy medicine from licenced and reputable sources.

The directive was issued after the board seized 200 cartons of assorted medicines from 400 premises.

In a statement on Friday, the board noted that the move aims at combating illicit practices within the pharmaceutical sector while upholding regulatory standards and prioritising public health.

The initiative is also in response to the 25 presidential directives, issued on March 7, 2024, aimed at tackling illicit brews, alcohol, drug, and substance abuse.

PPB Chief Executive Officer Fred Siyoi reiterated the board's steadfast dedication to preserving the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring citizens' well-being.

“Moving forward, the board will continue collaborating with other government agencies to root out illegal pharmaceutical outlets across the country,” Siyoi assured. 

To promote compliance and adherence, the board has released a comprehensive list of registered pharmaceutical outlets, accessible online, at practice.pharmacyboardkenya.org/LicenseStatus?register=facilities. 

Siyoi further urged healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals to exercise caution, adhere strictly to proper disposal protocols and report suspicious activities to the PPB.

“All registered pharmaceutical practitioners should stay updated with regulatory provisions governing the prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines,” he directed. 

He emphasised the importance of compliance with these regulations to ensure the highest standards of patient care and safety.

The launch of the crackdown comes barely a day after the board recalled a batch of Benylin Paediatric 100-ml cough syrup Batch No. 329304 from the market, which had been reported to be contaminated with toxic substances.

Equipment used by a quack doctor in Kayole, who was arrested on Friday, April 12, 2024. (Photo: DCI)