Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has officially sworn in a new council to lead the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), saying the team must help improve how healthcare is run in the country.
The new council will be chaired by Namenya Were.
Speaking during the event, Duale said the council has a big role in making sure patients are safe and that doctors and dentists follow the right rules. He said Kenyans expect quality services when they go to hospital, and that must be protected.
He directed the new council to operate with proper goals and ensure that its activities are both visible and noticeable to the public. Follow-ups should be conducted to ensure that the process is timely.
Secondly, Duale outlined various developments in health sector that the government is pursuing. This includes the establishment of clear guidelines for the tasks that the healthcare professionals can perform so that they do not exceed their mandate. It will ensure that all mistakes are avoided and hospitals will have increased levels of professionalism.
Moreover, it was mentioned that the government is focusing on improving education of the healthcare professionals so that Kenya remains competitive in terms of health care services.
It was also stated that a policy aimed at ensuring smooth operations of healthcare workers is being developed. A draft bill, which would guarantee patient safety and improve quality of medical care, is currently under discussion in the Parliament.
Duale emphasized the importance of cooperation with other health sector players. The council is advised to cooperate with county governments, educational institutions, and other health institutions. He asked them to be open, honest and responsible in their work.
The event was also attended by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth and KMPDC CEO David Kariuki, among other officials.
