NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has raised concerns over the rise of unlicensed individuals posing as medical professionals online, warning that such activities endanger public health.
The council cautioned that false medical advice from unqualified individuals could lead to misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and worsening health conditions.
Citing the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (CAP 253), KMPDC emphasized that impersonating a doctor or using the title ‘Dr’ without the requisite qualifications is illegal.
Offenders risk fines of up to Sh5 million, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
To curb medical fraud, KMPDC urged the public to verify practitioners and health facilities via its online register or USSD.
Journalists and media houses were also urged to verify medical sources before publishing health-related content to prevent misinformation.
