Two accused of allegedly advertising fake Covid-19 test kits on social media

A doctor and his employee have been arraigned in court for two accounts, one for advertising fake Covid-19 test kits and operating unregistered and unlicensed health institution.

The two suspects, Dr Pranav Pancholi and Ms Sylvia Ndinda both of Avane Dermatology Cosmetic Clinic and Medical Spa at Yaya centre Nairobi were arraigned at Milimani Law Courts following their arrest by the Directorate of  Criminal Investigations and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board for publishing a false advert on social media of having COVID19 rapid self-test kits.

According to the advert, the self-test kits were for early diagnosis and attention and offered results in 15 minutes. The advert also alleged that the test required no special facility or equipment, required no special training to use and combined an antibody test for Coronavirus. Each test kit went for three thousand shillings.

 

The advert expressed the need for urgency in a purchase as only 400 of the alleged 1000 test kit had remained in stock. The two were found to be in contravention of the Medical Practitioners and Dentist CAP 253 laws of Kenya.

False advertising is also prohibited in the Kenyan law and is covered by chapter 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2012 This law shields consumers from unprofessional practices by businesses to promote and advance the economic welfare of consumers.

The two suspects pleaded not guilty to all counts. They have since been released on Sh150,000 bail.