Have you seen the latest warning from KMPDC about fake online doctors? This is getting out of hand!
James a Concerned Citizen says he read about it this morning. It’s scary. How do we even know who to trust online?
Dr. Amina: That’s exactly the problem. These fraudsters are setting up social media pages, WhatsApp groups, and even YouTube channels, pretending to be licensed doctors. They’re giving out medical advice, prescribing drugs, and even charging people for fake consultations!
Dr. Kamau: I saw a case last week where someone was being “treated” for stomach ulcers by an unlicensed “doctor” on Facebook. Turned out they actually had an infection, and the wrong medication made it worse!
Oh wow! That’s terrifying. I sometimes Google symptoms and get advice from Facebook groups. How do I know if a doctor is real or not?
Dr. Amina: That’s a great question. The safest way is to check the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) register. You can send the doctor’s name or registration number to 20547 via SMS to verify.
James: Wait, there’s an official register? I had no idea!
Dr. Kamau: Yes! Any genuine doctor practicing in Kenya must be registered. If someone refuses to give their registration number, that’s a red flag.
Nancy: But what if they have a website and wear a lab coat in their videos? They look real.
Dr. Amina: Scammers go to great lengths to appear legitimate. They’ll even use fake certificates. Always cross-check their credentials with KMPDC.
James: I heard the penalty for impersonating a doctor is quite severe.
Dr. Kamau: It is! Under Section 22 (3) of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act CAP 253, anyone using the title “doctor” without the proper license can be fined up to Ksh 5 million or jailed for up to five years!
Nancy: So, if I report a fake doctor, will they get arrested?
Dr. Amina: Yes, but only if enough evidence is gathered. If you suspect someone is a fraud, report them to KMPDC immediately.
James: This reminds me of that case in Kilifi where a fake doctor was arrested for treating patients without a license.
Dr. Kamau: Exactly! And it’s not just medicine. Other fields like engineering are also dealing with people using fake titles.
Nancy: Wow. This is really eye-opening. I’ll be more careful from now on.
James: Same here. No more trusting random online doctors!
Dr. Amina: That’s the spirit! Always verify before you trust. And if in doubt, visit a registered medical facility. Your health is too important to risk.
