Health Professions Authority Shuts Down 35 Illegal Health Facilities Nationwide

By Michael Gwarisa

The Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA) has shut down 35 illegal health institutions across the country in a sweeping crackdown aimed at restoring order in the nation’s healthcare sector.

The closures followed widespread violations, including the absence of valid operating licenses and, in some cases, unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals.

These figures are not just statistics; they represent a successful effort to remove significant risks from our communities,” said HPA Secretary General, Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda.

“Unregistered facilities and bogus practitioners pose an existential threat to patient safety. They operate without oversight, often using substandard equipment and administering inappropriate, sometimes dangerous, treatment. Our efforts are essential not only to shut these places down but also to bring the individuals responsible to justice,” she added.

The Authority has urged the public to exercise caution when seeking medical care and stressed the need for vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of facilities and practitioners.

“We cannot overstate the importance of public vigilance. Before you entrust your health, or the health of a loved one, to any institution, you must verify its legal standing,” the HPA said in a statement.

The latest crackdown signals the beginning of an intensified nationwide inspection campaign. The Authority confirmed that inspections will be carried out in both rural and urban areas as part of a sustained strategy to eliminate illegal operations.

“This is not a temporary campaign; it is a permanent commitment to regulatory excellence,” said an HPA spokesperson. “Our goal is to ensure that every health facility in Zimbabwe meets the required legal, safety, and operational standards. Inspections will not stop until this objective is achieved and the public can have full confidence in licensed healthcare providers.”

HPA has called on communities to play a role in protecting public health by reporting suspicious or unlicensed health operations to its offices or the nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police station.

How to Verify Legitimate Healthcare Providers:

1. Institution Status: All legal health institutions must display a valid HPA operating license, confirming compliance with Ministry of Health and Childcare standards.

2. Practitioner Status: Anyone providing consultation or treatment must hold a valid practising certificate from the relevant Health Professions Council, proving their registration, qualifications, and fitness to practice.

3. Registered Facilities: A full list of licensed institutions is available on the HPA website.

The Health Professions Authority, a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Childcare, has escalated its regulatory activities in response to rising reports of illegal operators. Officials said the closure of 35 facilities marks a significant step in protecting patients and upholding the integrity of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.

HPA’s mandate includes regulating, registering, and inspecting all health institutions nationwide. The latest blitz specifically targeted facilities in gross violation of professional and legal requirements. Authorities say the operation reflects a firm commitment to safeguard public health and eliminate unscrupulous actors from the sector.