HPAZ Crackdown: Illegal Cosmetic "Backstreet" Clinics Face Criminal Charges
- Southerton Business Times
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Harare, Zimbabwe- The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ) has launched a nationwide crackdown on beauty salons, wellness spas, and "unregistered boutiques" offering invasive medical treatments. HPAZ Secretary General Clotilda Chimbwanda warned that the authority is invoking the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) to prosecute operators who are misrepresenting their qualifications and endangering public health.
The authority highlighted a growing trend where non-medical staff are performing procedures that involve breaking the skin or administering chemical substances.
Procedures strictly reserved for licensed health facilities include:
Injectables: Botox, dermal fillers, IV vitamin infusions, and injection-based fat reduction (lipolysis).
Advanced Skin Treatments: Deep chemical peels and microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).
The HPAZ has clarified that "medical acts" performed outside a registered health institution are criminal offenses under the following sections of the Act:
Section 99: Mandates that no person shall carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA.
Section 121: Prohibits anyone from practicing as a health professional or performing related procedures unless registered.
Section 126: Makes it a criminal offense to misrepresent qualifications or perform duties reserved for licensed professionals.
To avoid botched procedures and permanent scarring, Chimbwanda urged the public to perform a three-step credential check before undergoing any treatment:
Display Check: Look for the HPA Registration Certificate, which must be prominently displayed in the facility's reception area.
Practitioner Check: Ask to see a current Practicing Certificate from the relevant medical council (e.g., Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe).
The "Refusal" Red Flag: If a facility refuses to show its credentials, it is likely illegal. Citizens are encouraged to report such suspicious activity immediately to the authorities.
HPAZ Zimbabwe cosmetic procedure warning
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