Zimbabwe Moves to Introduce Breathalyser Tests and Drug Screening for Doctors and Nurses
Zimbabwe’s health authorities are moving to introduce mandatory breathalyser tests and drug screenings for medical personnel as part of a new strategy to tackle rising cases of substance abuse within the profession.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Health Service Commission, comes amid concerns that more than 100 healthcare practitioners across the country are battling addiction-related challenges.
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Shift from Punishment to Prevention
Officials say the proposed framework marks a shift away from purely disciplinary action towards early intervention and prevention.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, HSC Secretary Christopher Pasi said the focus is now on protecting both patients and the country’s highly trained workforce.
He noted that dismissing affected professionals is costly, given the significant investment required to train them, and emphasised the need to support rehabilitation rather than rely solely on punitive measures.
Safety Concerns Drive Proposed Testing
The proposed introduction of breathalysers and substance testing mirrors safety practices already used in high-risk industries such as mining and manufacturing. Authorities argue that ensuring medical staff are mentally fit while on duty is critical to patient safety.
Dr Pasi warned that substance abuse not only affects the individual practitioner but also poses serious risks to patients under their care. He added that long working hours, high stress levels and easy access to controlled medicines contribute to the growing problem.
Coordinated National Approach Planned
To strengthen the response, the HSC is working with the Health Professions Authority to develop a unified regulatory framework across all health councils.
The plan includes training managers to identify early warning signs, introducing confidential reporting systems among colleagues, and standardising how cases are handled nationwide.
HPA Secretary-General Clotilda Chimbwanda welcomed the initiative, noting that while individual councils have been addressing the issue, a coordinated approach is needed to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
Growing Concern Within the Profession
Recent data shows that substance abuse is becoming a significant issue within the sector, with one professional council reporting that around 10 percent of disciplinary cases are linked to addiction.
In addition, nearly 100 practitioners are currently under supervision due to alcohol or drug-related challenges, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Focus on Wellness and Support
Beyond enforcement, the new framework will also introduce wellness programmes aimed at encouraging healthcare workers to seek help early. These include initiatives focused on mental health, gender inclusivity and creating safer spaces for staff to address personal challenges.
Authorities say the goal is to ensure that all health workers are in the right state of mind when delivering care, while preserving valuable skills within the system.
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