Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe Secretary General, Clotilda Chimbwanda
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Health Professions Authority (HPA) Zimbabwe, as the apex regulatory body for the healthcare sector, has issued a warning to the public regarding the dangerous proliferation of unauthorized facilities performing specialized medical and cosmetic procedures. In a statement made by HPA Secretary General Clotilda Chimbwanda, it was revealed that it had come to the Authority’s attention that several beauty salons, wellness spas, and unregistered boutiques are offering services such as teeth whitening, intravenous vitamin infusions, chemical skin peels, and other invasive cosmetic treatments without the mandatory medical licenses or qualified personnel.
“The HPA is governed by the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19], which serves as the primary legislation to safeguard the Zimbabwean public.
“We wish to highlight specific sections of the Act that prohibit these unauthorized activities. Section 121 explicitly states that no person shall practice as a health practitioner or perform any act specially pertaining to a health profession unless they are registered under the Act.
“Performing medical acts like injections or chemical treatments in an environment other than a health facility is a direct violation of this law.
“Furthermore, Section 99 mandates that no person shall operate or carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA.
“Any unregistered facility offering medical-grade cosmetic procedures is therefore illegal,” said Chimbwanda.
HPA Secretary General Clotilda Chimbwanda speaks
She added that additionally, Section 126 makes it a criminal offense for any individual to represent themselves as a registered professional or to perform duties reserved for licensed practitioners.
Chimbwanda also revealed that when medical procedures are carried out in unregulated spaces, the risks to the patient are severe.
“Non-clinical environments often lack the infection prevention and control standards required for procedures involving needles or broken skin, posing a high risk of blood-borne diseases. “Furthermore, unlicensed facilities are not equipped to handle medical emergencies such as anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions.
“The HPA serves as the shield between the public and sub-standard care and by enforcing the Health Professions Act, the Authority ensures that facilities meet minimum standards for hygiene, equipment, and safety.
“This oversight ensures that only qualified and accountable professionals are authorized to perform medical acts and provides the public with a legal path for redress if they receive harmful treatment. Adherence to these regulatory frameworks is essential for patient safety, professional protection, and the overall quality of health delivery in Zimbabwe.
“The HPA strongly advises all citizens to be vigilant and act as the eyes and ears for the Authority. Before undergoing any procedure, you must check for the HPA Registration Certificate, which must be prominently displayed in the reception area. You should also verify the practitioner’s license by asking to see a current Practicing Certificate from the relevant Council.
“If you encounter any suspicious activity or a facility that refuses to show its credentials, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Authority,” added Chimbwanda.
The HPA is a health professions regulatory body established after the repeal of the Medical, Dental and Allied Professions Act (Chapter 27:08) and the disbandment of the Health Professions Council (HPC) on 30 June 2001.
HPA seeks to uphold and promote high standards for the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe through registration and inspection of all health facilities in Zimbabwe. HPA also plays the role of umbrella body of the eight Health Professions Councils.
