Medics warn of increasing number of fake online doctors
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki, has urged the public to take caution and verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services online.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has raised an alarm over the rising number of individuals posing as medical professionals on various online platforms, warning that these fraudulent activities could jeopardise public health.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council expressed concern that these platforms, which are increasingly being used to dispense medical advice and treatment, often offer questionable and potentially harmful information to the public.
The council noted that such actions could have serious health consequences, particularly when individuals without the proper qualifications or licensing claim to provide medical services.
As a result, the council's Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki, has urged the public to take caution and verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services online.
"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 registered or licensed under this Act as a medical practitioner, dentist or has acquired doctoral qualifications, commits an offense and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both," Kariuki explained.
Unlicensed individuals
This warning comes amid increasing reports of unlicensed individuals posing as doctors, making it more crucial for the public to ensure that the medical advice they receive is legitimate and from properly accredited professionals.
The council also said that the act of using the title "doctor" without appropriate registration or qualifications is illegal and carries heavy penalties, including fines of up to Sh5 million or a prison sentence of up to five years.
Kariuki advised that anyone seeking medical services should confirm the legitimacy of doctors and health facilities through the KMPDC's official online register or SMS service.
The public can easily verify a practitioner's credentials by sending their name or registration number to 20547.
"These platforms claiming medical expertise are a threat to public health. We urge everyone to use the available verification tools before seeking medical advice or treatment," Kariuki said.
KMPDC is not the first professional body to have had to react to a large number of Kenyans using titles without having the academic qualifications to back them up.
On December 24, 2024, the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) directed Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to immediately recall Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi's Honorary Doctorate Degree, stating that he had not rightfully earned the credentials.
"Please note that the prefix 'Eng.' before anyone's name is protected by law under the Engineers Act, 2011. It takes at least eight years of hard work to earn it. Oscar Sudi, please stop this disrespectful use of a title you have not earned," said Engineer Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institution of Engineers Kenya (IEK).
Top Stories Today
