The Kenyan government’s proposal to impose new licensing fees on online health services has sparked heated debate.
The draft regulations suggest that doctors and health facilities providing telemedicine services will be required to pay an annual license fee of KSh 250,000.
Mobile health (mHealth) solution providers will need to pay KSh 50,000 annually, while innovators testing new health technologies could face charges of up to KSh 10,000 per test.
These measures aim to regulate the rapidly growing telemedicine sector in Kenya, which has become an essential part of the healthcare system.
The rise of telemedicine in Kenya was majorly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, physical distancing rules and movement restrictions forced healthcare providers to adopt virtual solutions.
This led to the rapid approval of telemedicine initiatives by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
Today, telemedicine is seen as a critical tool for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), providing greater access to healthcare for individuals in remote and underserved areas.
Digital platforms have enabled patients to consult with doctors, access medical advice, and even receive prescriptions without the need for physical visits.
Despite the benefits of telemedicine, the proposed licensing fees have raised concerns among stakeholders.
Critics argue that such costs could stifle innovation and discourage the growth of digital health services, especially for smaller providers and startups.
Many of these entities already face challenges in sustaining operations due to limited resources.
Introducing hefty fees may discourage their participation in the sector, potentially leaving patients with fewer options for affordable healthcare.
This is particularly concerning in a country where the health sector is already overburdened, with an insufficient number of doctors and unequal distribution of healthcare resources.
On the other hand, supporters of the regulations argue that they are necessary to ensure the quality and safety of telemedicine services.
The KMPDC has stressed the importance of setting standards for data protection, compliance, and quality assurance.
These measures are intended to safeguard patient data and maintain trust in digital health platforms.
