Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA) has shut down 49 illegal health facilities this year, including drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres, amid concerns over the risks posed by unregistered institutions operating outside established medical standards.
In a public notice, HPA secretary-general Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda said the facilities had been closed following inspections and information provided by members of the public.
She warned that some unregistered health institutions were operating without the requisite registration, qualified personnel and appropriate infrastructure, exposing patients to potentially harmful practices.
“Seeking treatment at unregistered health facilities poses severe risks to patients, including substandard care, exposure to unproven or harmful treatments, patient abuse and neglect, as well as a complete lack of legal recourse in cases of malpractice or harm,” said Mrs Chimbwanda.
The Authority said unregistered facilities often failed to adhere to established medical protocols and operated outside the country’s regulatory framework.
The warning comes as the HPA steps up efforts to ensure that health institutions, including drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres, comply with the law and meet the required standards of care.
The Authority urged patients and their relatives to verify the registration status of health facilities before seeking medical or rehabilitation services.
Members of the public were advised to look out for a valid HPA certificate of institutional registration, a valid practising certificate issued by the relevant professional council and any other applicable certificates.
The HPA also encouraged the public to report suspected illegal health facilities to the nearest police station or directly to the Authority.
The regulatory body is mandated under the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19] to ensure that health institutions and professionals in Zimbabwe adhere to prescribed standards of care.
The Authority said public cooperation was important in identifying unregistered facilities and protecting patients from unsafe medical and rehabilitation services.
