Medical practitioners who have publicly claimed that chronic and life-threatening diseases can be cured through spiritual or faith-based healing have been ordered to submit verifiable scientific evidence or risk facing disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of their medical licenses.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale warned that unproven claims of miraculous healing by licensed doctors amount to medical misinformation and pose a serious threat to public health and patient safety.
“The Ministry of Health recognises and respects the important place of faith and spiritual nourishment in the lives of our people. However, matters of health and life must remain firmly grounded in science, ethics and evidence-based medicine,” Duale said.
Proof Required for Healing Claims
The CS stressed that any medical practitioner making claims of divine or miraculous healing must back them with rigorous clinical documentation and scientifically verifiable medical evidence.
“Any claims of miraculous healing, especially by licensed medical practitioners, must be supported by verifiable, scientifically proven medical evidence. Unsubstantiated claims constitute medical misinformation and pose a direct threat to human life and public safety,” he added.
KMPDC Directed to Investigate
Following the controversy, the Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to immediately investigate doctors who allegedly made such claims during a recent religious crusade in Nakuru.
Duale said the practitioners involved must present complete clinical records, diagnostic reports and scientific proof to support their testimonies.
“Failure to do so will attract serious disciplinary action, including possible suspension or revocation of licenses for professional misconduct and violation of medical ethics,” he warned.
Claims Spark Public Health Concerns
The directive comes just a day after KMPDC condemned public claims that serious medical conditions — including HIV/AIDS, cancer, blindness, deafness, muteness and physical disabilities — can be cured solely through faith-based healing.
Health experts and regulators have raised concerns that such statements could discourage patients from seeking proper medical treatment, potentially leading to preventable deaths and worsening of conditions.
Government Stance
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to protecting patients, upholding medical ethics, and ensuring that healthcare practice in Kenya remains evidence-based and scientifically sound, while still respecting freedom of worship.
The investigations are ongoing, and further action is expected once KMPDC concludes its review.
