Harare (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe will soon establish a Health Professions Authority to oversee the activities of diverse councils of health professionals in the country, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.

Presently the country has a Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe whose mandate is to uphold and promote high standards for the healthcare delivery system through the coordination and regulation of activities of all health professionals.

Briefing the media post Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dr Muswere said Cabinet approved the principles of the Health Professions Bill. The Bill seeks to amend the Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) to align it to the Constitution and ensure that it complies with provisions of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31), the Audit Office Act
(Chapter 22:18) and the Public Finance and Management Act (Chapter 22:19).

The amendments will also make provision for tele-health, an emerging phenomenon.

Dr Muswere said the Health Professions Authority will be responsible for dispute resolution between healthcare practitioners, and maintenance of confidentiality of patient information.

The Health Professions Act was promulgated in April 2001 and is being amended to be in tandem with emerging trends.

“The Bill will provide for the establishment of Councils to cater for diversity in healthcare professionals and ensure gender parity and fair regional representation in the Councils,” said Dr Muswere.

“Accordingly, the Bill will create the Health Professions Authority which will be responsible for dispute resolution between healthcare practitioners and maintenance of confidentiality of patient information. The Bill will provide that members of the Councils should abide by
principles of good corporate governance at all times, promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in their decision-making and actions.”

New Ziana