Government Denies Mandatory Newborn DNA Testing
The Ministry of Health on Thursday, April 11, refuted claims that the government was rolling out mandatory DNA tests.
In a post that had gone viral, it had been indicated that henceforth, all newborns would be subjected to a mandatory DNA test.
Replying to the post, the Ministry of Health announced that it had no plan to roll out such a policy.
Additionally, members of the public were asked to always verify any information before sharing to be part of the solution.
The now-flagged post had been attributed to Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha who has been subject to online trolling due to the ongoing medics’ strike.
Health CS Nakhumicha also refuted the claims that she had made such a directive.
ALSO READ:
- Rift Valley Leaders Defend President Ruto Amid Protests, Accuse Opponents of Civilian Coup Plot
- Senator Paul Karungo Urges President Ruto: Embrace TikTok to Connect with Gen-Z, X-Space Kuna Matusi Mingi Sana
- Details of President Ruto’s Talks with IMF Chief on Finance Bill 2024 Withdrawal
- Ksh.87,000 Daily For Uganda Trip: How Much Kenyan Public Officers Are Paid Per Day For Foreign Travel
- Senior Police Officer Shoots Himself Dead
The Ministry of Health did not reveal information on whether the person who created the post would face consequences.
While the identity of the person who created the post was hidden, the Ministry of Health’s social accounts have been flooded by medics showing their disgruntlement over the current administration.
The striking medics have been using different methods to agitate for the posting of medical interns as well as the clamour for the promotion of doctors.
Currently, DNA in Kenya is only mandatory when solving a crime or during a court-ordered paternity test.
Other cases where newborns can be subjected to DNA tests include; the prevention of cancer and genetic diseases and the diagnosis of a particular disease.
DNA tests are conducted in different public hospitals and private institutions including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Government Denies Mandatory Newborn DNA Testing