The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has welcomed the government’s decision to merge healthcare regulatory bodies, calling it a step towards greater efficiency in the sector.
On January 21, 2025, the Cabinet approved the consolidation of fragmented healthcare regulatory bodies.
KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah said on Friday that the move would promote uniformity in guidelines, ethics, and competency requirements across all healthcare professions, ensuring consistency for both workers and patients.
“Based on our extensive research, we firmly believe that consolidating healthcare regulatory bodies will enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and ultimately improve patient care,” Atellah stated.
He noted that the merger would eliminate administrative inefficiencies, simplify licensing and accreditation processes, and accelerate decision-making, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
“Modern healthcare requires seamless collaboration between doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals. This reform will foster better coordination in service delivery,” he added.
Atellah further emphasized that reducing administrative overheads and operational expenses through consolidation would result in significant cost savings, enabling resources to be redirected toward healthcare improvements and professional development.
However, he acknowledged potential challenges, including resistance from professionals accustomed to the existing structures. He stressed the need for a well-planned transition to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the new regulatory framework.
“It is crucial to guarantee fair representation of all healthcare professions in the new system,” he said.
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