The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a strict directive requiring all health facilities currently operating in petrol stations and residential buildings to relocate within the next six months or face closure. This move, according to the council, is driven by concerns over public health, patient safety, and the overall suitability of these locations for providing healthcare services. The KMPDC’s statement emphasized that these environments are not only inappropriate for clinical operations but also pose substantial risks, including exposure to flammable materials, inadequate infrastructure, and the potential for infection spread due to poor sanitation controls.
Health authorities argue that operating a clinic in locations such as petrol stations places patients and healthcare workers at an unacceptable risk. The constant exposure to fuels and other hazardous substances increases the likelihood of accidents and contamination, while the lack of proper facilities in such settings makes it difficult to maintain the sterile environment necessary for medical care. Residential buildings, on the other hand, often lack the specialized infrastructure needed for clinics, including adequate waste disposal systems, patient privacy safeguards, and emergency response mechanisms. These limitations can compromise the quality of care and endanger not only the patients but also residents in the vicinity.
The directive marks an effort by the KMPDC to reinforce compliance with health regulations and align medical facilities with national standards. The council’s move follows a recent assessment of various medical establishments, particularly those offering plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures. While a majority, about 77 percent, met the necessary legal and medical standards, a notable 23 percent failed to comply. This led to increased scrutiny of all medical operations, especially after a high-profile death of a patient at a cosmetic clinic in Nairobi late last year. That incident sparked public outrage and heightened the urgency to ensure all health facilities are both registered and operating in safe, appropriate environments.
This latest order to vacate restricted areas is part of a broader campaign by the Ministry of Health to tighten regulation across the healthcare sector. Earlier this year, the ministry tasked the KMPDC with shutting down illegal aesthetic clinics and unregistered beauty spas, citing similar safety concerns. In tandem, the government is also working on a regulatory framework for cosmetic procedures performed in both medical and beauty establishments to protect the public and enforce accountability.
Non-compliant clinics have been warned that failure to relocate by the end of the six-month period will result in immediate closure. The KMPDC has reiterated that the primary goal of this directive is to protect the health and safety of patients and the community at large. By removing clinics from inappropriate settings, the council aims to reduce the risk of infection, ensure proper patient care, and eliminate potential hazards stemming from unsuitable clinic locations. This initiative signals a clear shift towards stricter enforcement and greater oversight in Kenya’s healthcare landscape.
