Are you interested in making a positive impact on the
healthcare landscape in Kenya? Holding a medical camp can be a fantastic
opportunity to provide much-needed medical and dental services to communities
in need.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential
information you need to know about organizing and conducting a successful
medical camp in Kenya. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Medical Camp Rules
To ensure that medical camps are conducted in a safe and
regulated manner, the Kenyan government has established the Medical
Practitioners and Dentists (Medical Camp) Rules, 2016.
These rules outline the requirements and guidelines for
holding a medical camp. Let’s take a closer look at some key aspects:
Definition of a Medical Camp
A medical camp is a temporary event organized within a
specific locality to provide free, subsidized, or sponsored medical or dental
services, including surgical, educational, diagnostic
services, and treatment.
Licensing and Application Process
To hold a medical camp in Kenya, you must apply for a
license from the relevant authority, which is the Board. Here’s what you need
to know:
- The
application should be submitted in the prescribed form, accompanied by a
fee and specific information.
- The
application should include details about the medical camp, such as dates,
locations, and services to be provided.
- A
list of practitioners and other healthcare professionals who will attend
to patients during the medical camp must be included.
- Non-health
professionals involved in the camp should also be listed.
- A
comprehensive list of medical equipment and supplies and a waste
management policy are required.
- A
referral policy, in accordance with approved referral guidelines, must be
included.
- A
professional indemnity cover from a recognized organization should be
provided.
Additionally, you need to attach the following documents to
the application form in the prescribed order:
- Copies
of up-to-date licenses of ALL medical/dental practitioners involved in the
camp.
- Copies
of up-to-date licenses of ALL other health personnel involved in the camp.
- List
of ALL non-medical/dental personnel involved in the camp.
- Letter
of authorization from the County Government or relevant Authority.
- List
of ALL Medical Equipment.
- Referral
Policy.
- Waste
management and disposal policy.
- Medical
Indemnity Cover.
- Proof
of payment of the application fees and credentialing fees, including:
- Application
fee: KSh. 5,000.00
- Credentialing
fees based on the following categories:
- Category
A: KSh. 100,000.00
- Category
B: KSh. 50,000.00
- Category
C: KSh. 20,000.00
- Category
D: KSh. 10,000.00
- Category
E: Free
Remember to submit your application at least four weeks
before the planned commencement of the medical camp.
The Board may request additional information if deemed
necessary.
License Conditions and Revocation
Upon approval, the Board may impose conditions on the
license. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in license
cancellation.
The Board has the authority to revoke a license if the
medical camp is conducted contrary to the rules or public interest or if
professional misconduct is identified.
Duration and Reporting
A medical camp should not exceed seven days unless otherwise
authorized by the Board.
The Camp Director, who is a responsible medical or dental
practitioner, plays a crucial role in ensuring the camp’s success.
The Camp Director’s responsibilities include:
- Notifying
and applying to the relevant authorities, including the county government,
about the intention to hold a medical camp.
- Obtaining
necessary authorizations from the Board and other statutory bodies.
- Ensuring
that all healthcare professionals involved in the camp are duly licensed.
- Overseeing
the supervision of medical or dental students participating in the camp.
- Establishing
a referral mechanism for patients requiring further management.
- Submitting
a report to the Board within three months after the medical camp’s
completion.
Organizing a medical camp in Kenya can be a rewarding experience,
allowing you to provide vital healthcare services to underserved communities.
By understanding and adhering to the Medical Practitioners
and Dentists (Medical Camp) Rules, you can ensure a well-planned and successful
event that complies with the regulations and prioritizes public health and
safety.
Together, let’s make a difference in healthcare accessibility for all Kenyans!