By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma
The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe and its constituent councils have reaffirmed their commitment to ethical leadership and accountability, warning that corruption and conflicts of interest could undermine the country’s healthcare system.
The commitment was made during the signing of Integrity Pledges by HPA board members, council representatives and staff in partnership with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
Speaking during the ceremony, HPA president Professor Joconiah Chirenda said ethical regulation was critical to protecting patients and maintaining public confidence in the health sector.
“Today marks a defining moment for our organisations as ultimate stewards of public trust. The health and safety of the citizens of Zimbabwe will never be trumped by personal interest,” he said.
Chirenda said regulation was “the backbone of safe healthcare”, warning that conflicts of interest and corruption could weaken the systems designed to protect patients.
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“These pledges are our armour against that collapse,” he said.
He said the pledges should not be treated as a ceremonial exercise but as a commitment to act in the public interest.
ZACC Deputy Chairperson Commissioner Chido Madiwa said the HPA had a critical responsibility because it regulated institutions and professionals responsible for the health and safety of Zimbabweans.
She warned that ethical failures within the regulatory system could directly affect the quality of healthcare received by patients.
“Any ethical failure directly robs ordinary patients of quality healthcare, safe clinical environments and the public health protections they deserve,” Madiwa said.
She said the pledge was a public commitment not to exploit facility registrations, professional licences, inspection compliance scores or regulatory authority for personal gain.
ZACC has also introduced Integrity Committees within the authority to identify weaknesses in systems and policies before they are exploited for corrupt purposes.
The initiative is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical leadership in Zimbabwe’s healthcare regulatory system.
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