NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 – The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has called for the consolidation of all healthcare regulatory bodies into a single entity to improve efficiency, accountability, and patient safety.
KMPDU Secretary-General Davji Atellah said the fragmentation of healthcare regulators has led to inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and inconsistencies in professional standards.
“As a human resource for the health labor organization, we fully support the Cabinet’s decision of January 21, 2025, to defund and merge these fragmented professional bodies,” Atellah stated.
Enhancing efficiency and oversight
Kenya currently has nine healthcare regulatory agencies, established through Acts of Parliament, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), and the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), among others.
Atellah emphasized that merging these bodies would streamline licensing processes, enhance coordination, and improve communication across the healthcare sector.
“Consolidating healthcare regulators will enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and ultimately improve patient care,” he said.
Cost savings and transparency
The union argues that a unified regulatory body will reduce administrative overheads, leading to significant cost savings that can be redirected to healthcare service improvements and professional development.
“A single regulatory body enhances transparency and ensures that all healthcare professionals adhere to consistent high standards, ultimately improving patient safety,” Atellah added.
However, he noted that the merger process must be carefully planned, with adequate stakeholder involvement to ensure a smooth transition.
