**Health sector stakeholders during a public hearing on the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2026.** [Courtesy]

Health sector stakeholders have clashed over a Sh5 million fine and five-year jail term proposed for detaining patients or bodies over unpaid bills.

The disagreement emerged during a public hearing on the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2026, held by the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health chaired by Seme MP Dr James Nyikal.

The Bill, sponsored by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, seeks to regulate community oral health officers, dental technologists and optometrists.

It also provides for the registration of foreign practitioners residing in Kenya and targets the fraudulent acquisition of licences by healthcare workers.

Several stakeholders argued the proposed fine was too severe, noting unpaid medical bills is a sensitive issue affecting many families. They proposed hospitals and families instead agree on payment plans, including instalments.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah went further and called for the Bill's withdrawal entirely, arguing existing laws already address malpractice in the sector.

"KMPDU supports effective regulation of all healthcare professionals. However, regulations must be evidence-based, legally coherent, operationally feasible and primarily focused on protecting the public," said Atellah.

Nyikal said the committee would weigh the submissions before making its recommendations.

"Our focus as health practitioners should be on the patients and giving them a better experience. I am happy that we have not lost that focus during our deliberations today," noted Nyikal.

KMPDU opposes Sh5m fine, five-year jail term for detaining patients