Government Crackdown: BAZ Bans Unverified Healing Advertisements on Radio and TV

BAZ acting chief executive officer Matthias Chakanyuka expressed grave concern over the resurgence of unauthorized advertisements

The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a stern directive to all broadcasters to immediately cease airing advertisements for unverified healing services and products. This major crackdown targets unlicensed medical practitioners, herbalists, and "rogue" spiritual healers who have been using airwaves to deceive the public with unsubstantiated claims.

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) announced that all health-related advertisements must now obtain formal approval from the Ministry of Health and Child Care before they can be broadcast.

Protecting the Vulnerable from "Charlatans"

BAZ acting chief executive officer Matthias Chakanyuka expressed grave concern over the resurgence of unauthorized advertisements. He noted that many individuals, including self-proclaimed faith healers and traditional herbalists, are making bold claims about their ability to cure chronic diseases without any scientific or medical oversight.

“We have noted with grave concern the resurgence of unauthorised advertisements... by individuals making claims they cannot substantiate,” Chakanyuka stated. He emphasized that these advertisements often target vulnerable citizens, leading to "adverse effects and other forms of prejudice" after using unregulated products.

Stiff Penalties for Non-Compliant Broadcasters

The directive applies to all forms of medicine, traditional, herbal, or conventional, as well as spiritual and faith-based healing. Broadcasters have been warned that providing a platform to unlicensed individuals constitutes a serious breach of the law.

Key Requirements for Broadcasters:

• Verification: Radio and TV stations must verify that every health-related ad has a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Health.

• Non-Discrimination: The rule applies equally to all categories to ensure no "charlatan" is allowed to deceive the public.

• Statutory Penalties: Failure to comply will result in the "full application of statutory penalties," which can include heavy fines or the suspension of broadcasting licenses.

The Danger of Unregulated Healing

The crackdown follows reports of citizens suffering serious health complications after abandoning conventional medical treatment in favor of unverified "miracle cures." By requiring Ministry of Health approval, the government aims to ensure that only safe, verified, and ethical health services are promoted to the Zimbabwean public.

BAZ ban unverified healing ads