adminEllen Chasokela Herald Reporter
The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) has launched a blitz to flush out health practitioners operating without valid practicing certificates.
The authority has since deployed inspectors across the country.
All health practitioners, working in both private and public health institutions, should have a valid practicing certificate from their respective councils or health institutions registered with HPAZ.
HPAZ secretary-general, Mr Shepard Humure, urged health institutions to ensure that their employees are registered.
“All employers of health professionals should only employ health practitioners who are registered with their respective councils and are holders of valid practicing certificates,” he said.
“We will also be checking around the premises to see if they are complying with the standards set by the HAPZ registration and inspection manual.
“Health practitioners should make sure that they are compliant to avoid unnecessary embarrassment through disciplinary proceedings, arrest and prosecution as provided for in the Health Professions Act.
“Due to the late invoicing of this year’s renewal of registration certificates, the deadline has been extended to March 31. Health institutions found operating without their registration certificates after April 1 will be made to pay a non-compliance fee, apart from facing the possibility of closure.”
Mr Humure warned the public that it is an offence to masquerade as health practitioners.
“It is an offence for people whether in private or public health institutions to masquerade as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiologists, medical laboratory scientists etc and mislead the public and patients when they do not hold such titles,” he said.
Online Reporter