The Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPAZ) says it has shut down 49 illegal health facilities so far this year, including drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres.
In a public notice, HPAZ secretary-general Clotilda Chimbwanda said the facilities were closed after inspections and tip-offs from members of the public.
She warned that some institutions were operating without registration, qualified staff or suitable premises, 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,” Chimbwanda said.
Such facilities, she added, often ignored established medical protocols and operated outside the country’s regulatory framework.
Chimbwanda urged patients and their families to check that a facility is registered before seeking medical or rehabilitation services. Valid credentials include an HPAZ certificate of institutional registration, a current practising certificate from the relevant professional council and any other certificates that apply.
The authority also urged the public to report suspected illegal facilities to the nearest police station or directly to the HPAZ.
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