Government's new operation to identify Quack Doctors

ruby orimba

November 22, 2018 1:59 PM

The government is seeking to clean up the health sector with a new service that can identify quack doctors before a patient receives treatment

Mugo wa Wairimu escorted by police officers during his court appearance

The government has announced a new plan to weed out quack doctors from Kenyas health system.

The service will work via an SMS code and one will be able to access the doctor's qualifications and license details on their mobile phone.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki will officially launch the SMS code developed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) in December.

"When one sends the name of a doctor to the SMS code 20547, they will be able to get the details and qualification of the doctor.

"We are also working on a barcode for all doctors which will reveal to a reader the details of any doctor making it easier to crackdown on quacks. It will become operational in January next year," KMPDB CEO Daniel Yumbwa explained.

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Identifying Accredited Health Facilities

The KMPDB boss explained that the SMS application, dubbed I-Care, is currently in its testing phase and will be operationalized in January 2019.

The app will also assist patients to find out whether the facility they report to is recognised and duly licensed by the government.

"When one keys in the name of the facility, it will reveal its locality, doctor in charge and services being offered.

"This will help also during accidents and families will be able to know which facilities the victims are in," Dr Yumbwa explained.

Quack doctor James Mugo Ndichu alias Mugo wa Wairimu sparked outrage among members of the public after he was exposed for the second time, drugging and raping women at a new medical facility in Kayole.

Mugo is yet to be formally charged in court as police are still conducting investigations into the matter.