Bulawayo,(New Ziana)-Unregistered rehabilitation facilities mushrooming across the country are posing a threat to the health and safety of vulnerable individuals seeking treatment for various conditions, the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPA) has said.
In a statement on Monday, HPA secretary general Clotilda Chimbwanda confirmed a surge in the number of illegal medical rehabilitation centres operating across the country.
“It has come to the attention of the HPA that numerous facilities are operating without the requisite registration, offering services such as substance abuse rehabilitation, mental health rehabilitation, physiotherapy and occupational therapy and other forms of rehabilitative care,” she said.
She said the illegal facilities often lack qualified personnel, appropriate infrastructure, and adherence to established medical protocols.
“This poses serious risks to patients, including substandard care, abuse and neglect, spread of infectious diseases, administration of harmful or unproven treatment and lack of recourse,” she said.
Chimbwanda warned that operating an unregistered health facility is a violation of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), adding that the HPA is working with law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits to book.
“HPA urges the public to verify the registration status of any medical rehabilitation centre before seeking treatment or admitting a loved one. The HPA website (www.hpa.co.zw) provides a list of registered health facilities,” she said.
She also implored members of the public to report any suspected illegal health facilities to the HPA or law enforcement agencies.
“Registered individuals and facilities can be identified through the possession of a valid practising certificate and HPA license, respectively,” she added.
Chimbwanda said the HPA is committed to protecting the health and safety of the public and would continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that healthcare services in Zimbabwe are provided in a safe and regulated environment.
“The HPA, mandated by the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that all health institutions and health professionals in Zimbabwe adhere to the highest standards of care.
“The HPA manual clearly stipulates the requirements for the registration and licensing of health facilities, including those providing medical rehabilitation services,” she said.
New Ziana
