Published: April 27, 2025, 04:48 EAT
KMPDU officials Dr. Dennis Miskellah (Deputy SG), Dr. Abi Mwachi (Chairman), Health CS Aden Duale, KMPDU SG Dr. Davji Atellah, and Health PS Mary Muthoni. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has voiced strong support for Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s recent directive to suspend the licensing of foreign doctors in the country, following alarming claims of organ trafficking involving rogue medical practitioners.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, KMPDU Secretary General Dr. Davji Bhimji Atellah lauded the government’s decision, terming it “a necessary move” to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s healthcare system and protect citizens from exploitation and criminal activities.
Dr. Atellah stated that while Kenya has always welcomed international medical expertise, the current allegations of illegal organ harvesting necessitate a re-evaluation of the vetting processes for foreign-trained doctors seeking to practice in the country.
“We cannot afford to compromise the sanctity of our healthcare system. Any individuals involved in such heinous crimes must be identified and weeded out. The suspension will allow for proper investigations and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks,” said Dr. Atellah.
Organ Trafficking Claims Rock the Medical Sector
The move comes in the wake of growing concerns about the infiltration of unqualified and unscrupulous foreign doctors into the Kenyan medical scene, allegedly operating illegally and engaging in unethical practices, including human organ trafficking.
Several reports have emerged indicating that a network of rogue doctors, both local and foreign, may be participating in the illegal harvesting and sale of human organs, targeting vulnerable patients under the guise of offering medical treatment. These allegations have triggered public outrage and calls for urgent government action.
CS Aden Duale, while addressing Parliament earlier this week, announced the immediate suspension of all new licenses for foreign doctors pending comprehensive investigations into the claims. He emphasized that Kenya’s national security and the safety of its citizens must come first.
“We must protect our people from exploitation. Until we have established stringent vetting procedures, no foreign doctor will be licensed to practice in Kenya,” said Duale.
KMPDU Demands Reforms in Medical Licensing
Beyond backing the freeze, KMPDU is now demanding that the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) thoroughly audit all existing licenses of foreign doctors currently practicing in the country.
Dr. Atellah stressed the need for stricter background checks, proper verification of academic qualifications, and deeper scrutiny of professional histories to ensure that only competent, ethical, and qualified practitioners are allowed to serve in Kenya’s health facilities.
“The infiltration of quacks not only endangers lives but also erodes public trust in our health institutions. Regulatory agencies must not treat licensing as a mere formality. It must be a rigorous and foolproof process,” he said.
KMPDU has also called for the establishment of a joint task force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and professional health bodies to investigate and dismantle any existing organ trafficking networks.
Concerns Over the Impact on Healthcare Delivery
While many have welcomed the licensing freeze, some stakeholders in the health sector have raised concerns about the potential short-term strain on healthcare services, especially in counties already facing acute shortages of specialized medical personnel.
However, Dr. Atellah reassured the public that the move was a temporary measure necessary to secure the future of the healthcare system.
“Patient safety is paramount. We would rather experience temporary inconveniences than allow criminal elements to operate freely within our hospitals,” he added.
The union also emphasized the importance of investing in local training programs to ensure Kenya produces enough specialized healthcare professionals, reducing dependency on foreign doctors in the future.
Government’s Next Steps
The Ministry of Health is expected to issue fresh guidelines on the licensing of foreign medical practitioners in the coming weeks. Sources indicate that the new regulations will include mandatory criminal background checks, certification authentication from accredited international bodies, and tighter monitoring mechanisms after licensing.
CS Duale has directed security agencies to prioritize investigations into the alleged organ trafficking networks. Any individuals found guilty will face the full force of the law, he warned.
In the meantime, KMPDU is urging citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious medical practices to authorities.
“Healthcare is a sacred trust. We must all work together to defend it against exploitation and criminal abuse,” Dr. Atellah concluded.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on Kenya’s healthcare sector, with many hoping that the government’s actions will restore public confidence and reinforce the country’s reputation for professional and ethical medical service
