The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, has endorsed a strong statement issued by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) warning against unverified claims of faith-based healing for serious medical conditions. The statement follows recent public claims made during a religious crusade in Nakuru, where some practitioners allegedly claimed to cure illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, blindness, deafness and other chronic conditions.
In the statement, KMPDC emphasized that evidence-based medicine remains the cornerstone of healthcare in Kenya. The Council cautioned that claims of healing for life-threatening and chronic illnesses must be backed by scientific proof and independent medical verification. It warned that unsubstantiated claims, especially when made by trained health professionals, risk misleading vulnerable patients and could lead to worsening health outcomes, drug resistance or even loss of life.
KMPDC further highlighted the dangers of abandoning prescribed medical treatment in favor of unverified spiritual or alternative practices. While acknowledging the role of faith in society, the Council advised Kenyans living with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and epilepsy to continue seeking proven medical care in line with public health guidelines.
The Council also revealed that it is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other regulatory agencies to investigate the matter. Disciplinary and legal action may be taken against any medical practitioner found to have violated professional ethics or endangered public health through misinformation.
By endorsing the statement, Health CS Hon. Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, upholding medical ethics and protecting citizens from harmful misinformation. He urged Kenyans to report suspicious healing claims to relevant authorities and assured the public that the country’s healthcare system remains anchored on safe, ethical and evidence-based practices.
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