Zimbabwe Shuts Down 35 Illegal Clinics Using Unqualified “Doctors”

35 Fake Clinics Shut As Bogus “Doctors” Exposed In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has shut down 35 illegal healthcare facilities across the country this year, with some of them being operated by unqualified people posing as doctors. The Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA) confirmed that the closures form part of a major crackdown designed to safeguard public health.

Clinics operating without licences

According to the Herald, HPA secretary-general Clotilda Chimbwanda said the inspections exposed shocking malpractice.

Mrs Chimbwanda stated:

“Violations leading to the closures included a critical lack of valid operating licences and, in some alarming instances, facilities being operated by non-qualified personnel masquerading as healthcare professionals.”

She emphasised that the figures were not just numbers but represented a real step towards protecting communities.

“These figures are not just statistics; they represent a successful effort to remove significant risks from our communities.”

Risk to patient safety

The HPA revealed that the illegal facilities were endangering lives. Mrs Chimbwanda explained:

“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.”

She further noted that the crackdown also involves pursuing accountability through the justice system.

“Our efforts are essential to not only shut these places down but also to bring the individuals responsible to justice.”

The authority reminded all health institutions to clearly display a valid HPA operating licence. This, it said, proves compliance with Ministry of Health and Child Care regulations.

Inspections to intensify

Mrs Chimbwanda stressed the need for patients to demand proof of certification from practitioners.

“Any individual providing consultation or treatment must possess a current and valid practising certificate from the appropriate Health Professions Council. This is proof of their professional registration, qualification and fitness to practise in Zimbabwe.”

She added that the closures announced in September 2025 were just the beginning.

“The recent crackdown marks the beginning of an intensified, routine inspection drive that will continue across all provinces.”

The HPA said the operation would cover both urban and rural facilities to ensure no community is left vulnerable.

“This is not a temporary campaign; it is a permanent commitment to regulatory excellence. Our goal is to ensure that every single health facility operating in Zimbabwe meets the rigorous legal, safety, and operational standards required to protect our citizens.”

Mrs Chimbwanda concluded that inspections would not stop until the public could have full confidence in licensed providers nationwide.