Doctors Slam MCSK Over Music Fees in Hospitals, Accuse Society of Defying Court Orders

Doctors Slam MCSK Over Music Fees in Hospitals, Accuse Society of Defying Court Orders

A storm is brewing between Kenya’s medical fraternity and the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK). The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has fiercely rejected MCSK’s latest directive requiring hospitals to pay for music licenses—even for songs played on waiting room TVs.

“This Is Unlawful and Unfair,” Doctors Declare

In a strongly worded statement, KMA accused MCSK of defying a valid court order. The Milimani Law Courts had already prohibited MCSK from levying fees on medical facilities in Petition E076 of 2025.

“Any attempt to reintroduce these charges is not only unfair but also unlawful,” KMA stated. “It directly contravenes a valid court ruling,” they added.

Despite the ruling, MCSK included hospitals in its 2025 Unified Copyright License directive, sparking outrage across the health sector.

Hospitals Are Not Clubs—Doctors Demand Fair Treatment

KMA argued that hospitals should not be treated like entertainment venues. Music in hospitals is used sparingly, often to soothe patients—not for profit.

“Health facilities use music in limited, incidental contexts,” the statement read. “They cannot be equated to clubs or hotels,” it added.

Doctors warned that imposing music fees would amount to double taxation. Hospitals already pay hefty licensing and compliance fees to the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).

“This Will Hurt Patient Care,” KMA Warns

The association expressed concern that the directive could divert resources away from patient care. With rising costs and limited budgets, hospitals may struggle to maintain service quality.

“Charging hospitals risks undermining access and quality of care,” KMA lamented. “Extra costs will hurt patients, not just institutions,” they added.

Lack of Consultation Sparks Further Outrage

KMA also criticized MCSK for failing to consult healthcare stakeholders before issuing the directive. They argued that the move ignored the unique realities of medical institutions.

“This omission fails to balance artists’ rights with the realities of essential service providers,” the doctors said.

They urged MCSK to withdraw the regulations and engage in structured dialogue to create a fair framework.

“We remind MCSK that compliance with the court ruling is mandatory,” KMA declared. “Engage us. Don’t impose,” they added.

Artists’ Rights vs. Public Health—A Delicate Balance

Meanwhile, KECOBO has directed MCSK and other CMOs to collaborate on a joint licensing framework. However, disagreements persist, especially over MCSK’s exclusion from the tariff formulation process.

As the debate intensifies, Kenyans are watching closely. Will reason prevail—or will hospitals be forced to pay for healing tunes?

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Doctors Slam MCSK Over Music Fees in Hospitals, Accuse Society of Defying Court Orders