Government cracks down on 'fake healers'

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has ordered broadcasters to immediately stop airing advertisements for unverified healing services and products as part of a major crackdown on unlicensed medical practitioners and rogue spiritual healers.

Authorities said the directive targets a growing number of individuals advertising miracle cures and spiritual healing services without approval from health regulators.

BAZ acting chief executive officer Matthias Chakanyuka said all health-related advertisements must first obtain clearance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care before they can be broadcast.

"We have noted with grave concern the resurgence of unauthorised advertisements relating to health, particularly those by self-proclaimed traditional healers, herbalists and faith healers who are making claims they cannot substantiate," Chakanyuka said.

He said investigations revealed that several advertisements were being aired without the oversight of health authorities, creating room for unqualified practitioners and so-called prophets to mislead vulnerable members of the public.

"These individuals are making bold, unverified claims about their ability to cure diseases, yet investigations show that many of these claims are completely false," he said.

Authorities also raised alarm over reports that some citizens have suffered harm after trusting unregulated healing services and products.

"Reports further suggest that some consumers have suffered adverse effects and other forms of prejudice after using products or services from these unregulated sources," Chakanyuka added.

Under the directive, no advertisement relating to medicines - whether traditional, herbal or conventional - as well as spiritual or faith-based healing services, may be broadcast without proof of approval from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

"This requirement applies equally to all categories and is not intended to discriminate, but to ensure that no charlatan is allowed to deceive the public," Chakanyuka said.

He warned that broadcasters who continue to provide a platform to unlicensed practitioners risk facing legal penalties.

"Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a serious breach of the law and will result in the full application of statutory penalties," he said.

BAZ has since instructed all radio and television stations to urgently verify that any advertisements promoting healing services or health products have received the necessary authorisation from health authorities before being aired.