Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE is facing a fast-growing trend of cosmetic and beauty enhancement services being offered outside regulated health facilities, raising concern among authorities over the safety of such procedures.
In recent years, beauty salons, wellness spas, boutiques and other similar service providers have rapidly expanded across urban centres, offering a wide range of services that go beyond traditional grooming and relaxation therapies.
While many of these establishments provide legitimate services such as massages, facials and body treatments, some have increasingly ventured into medical-grade procedures, including teeth whitening, intravenous vitamin infusions, chemical skin peels and other invasive cosmetic interventions.
It is against this background that the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe has raised alarm over this shift, warning that a number of these facilities are operating without the necessary licences or qualified medical personnel, thereby exposing clients to significant health risks.
In a statement, HPA secretary general Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda said the authority had noted with concern that some facilities were now performing procedures that legally fall under the scope of trained and registered health professionals.
“When medical procedures are carried out in unregulated spaces, the risks to the patient are severe,” she said.
Non-clinical environments often lack the infection prevention and control standards required for procedures involving needles or broken skin, posing a high risk of blood-borne diseases.
“Furthermore, unlicensed facilities are not equipped to handle medical emergencies such as anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions.”
Mrs Chimbwanda said such practices violate the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), which governs the regulation of healthcare services in Zimbabwe and is meant to safeguard the public from unsafe medical practices.
Section 121 explicitly states that no person shall practice as a health practitioner or perform any act related to a health profession unless they are registered under the Act.
“Performing medical acts like injections or chemical treatments in an environment other than a health facility is a direct violation of this law. Furthermore, Section 99 mandates that no person shall operate or carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA. Any unregistered facility offering medical-grade cosmetic procedures is therefore illegal,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
She added that even the premises themselves must be compliant with the law and warned that some operators were also misrepresenting their qualifications to unsuspecting clients.
She said Section 126 made it a criminal offence for any individual to present themselves as a registered practitioner or to perform duties reserved for licensed professionals when they are not qualified to do so.
“The HPA serves as the shield between the public and sub-standard care. By enforcing the Health Professions Act, the authority ensures that facilities meet minimum standards for hygiene, equipment, and safety,” she said.
“This oversight ensures that only qualified and accountable professionals are authorised to perform medical acts and provides the public with a legal path for redress if they receive harmful treatment. Adherence to these regulatory frameworks is essential for patient safety, professional protection, and the overall quality of health delivery in Zimbabwe.”
She said the authority remains committed to protecting the public by enforcing standards that ensure only qualified professionals operate in registered facilities.
She urged members of the public to verify the credentials of any facility or practitioner before undergoing procedures.
“Before undergoing any procedure, you must check for the HPA registration certificate, which must be prominently displayed in the reception area,” she said.
“You should also verify the practitioner’s license by asking to see a current practising certificate from the relevant council.
“If you encounter any suspicious activity or a facility that refuses to show its credentials, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the authority.”
