Government approves key principles for Health Professions Act Amendment to facilitate tele-health

Gibson Mhaka
IN a move set to improve public health and modernise healthcare delivery, the government has approved key principles for the amendment of the Health Professions Act.

These amendments will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also facilitate the integration of innovative technologies like tele-health.

In his post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet approved the Principles of the Health Professions Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora.

“Cabinet wishes to inform the public that the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) will be amended in order to align it to the Constitution and ensure that it complies with provisions of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31), the Audit Office Act (Chapter 22:18) and the Public Finance and Management Act (Chapter 22:19). The amendments will also make provision for tele-health, an emerging phenomenon,” said Minister Muswere.

Dr Muswere said the Health Professions Act was promulgated in April 2001 and is therefore being amended to be in tandem with emerging trends.

“The Bill will provide for the establishment of Councils to cater for diversity in healthcare professionals and ensure gender parity and fair regional representation in the Councils. “Accordingly, the Bill will create the Health Professions Authority which will be responsible for dispute resolution between healthcare practitioners and maintenance of confidentiality of patient information.

“The Bill will provide that members of the Councils should abide by principles of good corporate governance at all times, promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in their decision-making and actions,” said Dr Muswere.