By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
MASVINGO-The Health Professionals Authority (HPA) has warned the public on the proliferation of unauthorized facilities performing specialized medical and cosmetic procedures.
Beauty salons, wellness spa and unregistered boutiques are offering services such as teeth whitening, intravenous vitamin infusions, chemical skin peels and other invasive cosmetic treatments which is against the law.
Unlicensed cosmetic procedures can cause infections, scarring or even permanent disfigurement, and that might have started a quest for beauty might end up a long, expensive lesson if people do not check for the HPA registration certificate and current practising certificate from the relevant council.
In a statement issued by HPA Secretary General, Clotilda Chimbwanda (pictured), she stated that there is an increase of illegal and unregistered facilities offering medical-grade procedures which criminalizes the one posing as a medical practitioner.
“Performing medical act like injections or chemical treatments in an environment other than a health facility is a direct violation of this law. Furthermore, Section 99 mandates that no person shall operate or carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA. Any unregistered facility offering medical grade cosmetic procedures is therefore illegal. Additionally, Section 126 makes it a criminal offense for any individual to represent themselves as a registered professional or to perform duties reserved for licensed practitioners,” said Chimbwanda.
The risk of undergoing these medical procedures is very risky at unregistered facilities as these clinics pose more danger to the patient and some of the damages are irreversible.
“When medical procedures are carried out in unregulated spaces, the risk to the patient are severe. Non-clinical environment often lack the injection prevention and control standards required for procedures involving needles or broken skin posing a high risk of blood borne diseases. Furthermore, unlicensed facilities are not equipped to handle medical emergencies such as anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions,” she said.
It is the mandate of HPA to serve as the shield between the public and sub-standard care through enforcing the Health Professions Act and this makes sure that registered facilities meet minimum standards for hygiene, equipment and safety.
She added that, the Health Professionals Act ensures that only qualified and accountable professionals are authorized to perform medical acts and provide the public with a legal path for redress if they receive harmful treatment.
The HPA is governed by the Health Professionals Act (Chapter 27:19), which serves as the primary legislation to safeguard the public.
