By Michael Gwarisa
The Minister of Finance , Professor Mthuli Ncube has proposed an amendment to the law barring medical practitioners and health services from advertising.
Current legislation in Zimbabwe does not allow Health Practitioners and Medical
Institutions to advertise services as such practices are deemed unethical
Presenting the 2025 National Budget, Professor Ncube said such a law was hindering uptake of Health services due to lack of public awareness.
In order to promote access to local specialist medical services and related value chains for pre and post medical attention, I propose that legislation be amended to remove the restriction on advertising and marketing of medical services,” said Professor Ncube
He added that the current practice, undermines the competitiveness of local health services since the general public lack awareness of essential services in an era of fast paced technology in the medical field.
Should Zimbabwe procced with the amendment, it joins other African countries sixh as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria where advertising medical and other health services is permitted under minimum government interference.
