Experts Want Government to Address Acute Shortage of Physicians in the Country

By Harrison Kivisu

The Kenya Association of Physicians (KAP) is urging the government to urgently employ more physicians to address a critical shortage that is undermining the quality of primary health care across the country.

According to current statistics, Kenya has a physician-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000 – a figure far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended standard. This dire shortage is most evident at the primary health care level, where the majority of Kenyans seek medical services.

Dr. Sood Mohamed, a consultant nephrologist at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and chief examiner at the East, Central and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP), said the current ratio greatly compromises the quality of health care being delivered.

“The ratio between physician and patient is 1:10,000 patients, this is against WHO standard, and that’s why we are in partnership with Royal College of Physicians to train more,” said Mohamed.

He noted that the partnership program between the Royal College and the government aims to significantly increase the number of consultants by 2035, enabling the country to serve a larger population effectively. The training initiative is also expected to reduce the wage burden on counties and ease the cost of professional medical training for students.

“We have only 400 registered physicians by KMPDU against a population of 52 million Kenyans meaning that there is a big deficit in the country,” said Mohamed.

Dr. Roselyn Ngugi, Chair of the KAP Nairobi Branch and President of the Kenya Diabetes Study Group, expressed concern over the inadequate supply of medicines at the primary health care level, which is further affecting service delivery.

Dr. Ngugi emphasized the importance of preventive health measures, particularly in tackling diabetes-related diseases. She urged Kenyans to adopt healthier eating habits.

“There is need for government to embrace prevention measures than investing on cure of diabetes-related diseases,” she said, adding, “She encourages Kenyans to take more vegetables and avoid sugary foods.”

Dr. Ngugi also called on the government to promote public sensitization and ensure the population consumes foods that reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

KAP President Dr. Erick Njenga echoed these sentiments, calling on the government to support the association in its mission to deliver quality health care.

KAP President Dr. Erick Njenga alongside other doctors keenly following the graduation ceremony at Pride Inn Paradise Mombasa. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

“We ask government to continue supporting all our programs as we train our medical personnel, so that we can upgrade high quality health care,” said Njenga.

He warned about the increased consumption of industrial fats and high-calorie foods and called for policy interventions to regulate food labeling and consumption.

During the event, nine Kenyan doctors graduated in various medical professions, a milestone that Dr. Njenga praised, encouraging continued excellence in medical training.

The remarks were made during the 28th KAP and 10th ECSACOP Annual Scientific Conference held in Mombasa, attended by medical professionals from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Europe.

Dr. Tamara Phiri, an ECSACOP official, reaffirmed the challenges faced in the region, noting that the shortage of physicians remains a significant barrier to meeting the growing health demands.

“In Kenya, we are still facing shortage of physicians, against the demand of these professionals,” said Dr. Phiri, who also called for increased regional collaboration to strengthen the sector.

A key highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between several major organizations represented at the event.

Chief guest Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of AMREF Health Africa, reiterated the need for increased health sector funding and a focus on prevention over cure.

“We must think about how to keep people healthy because we can’t afford disease,” said Dr. Githinji.

He urged physicians to take the lead in advocating for disease prevention, highlighting the financial burden of curative care. Dr. Githinji also stressed the importance of innovation in health care delivery.

“Physicians must adopt technology, so that when we talk about telemedicine, we are in the forefront to champion that,” he added, emphasizing the need for equality in the health sector.