Health Ministry Clamps Down On Unqualified Practitioners With New Licensing Directive

The Ministry of Health has introduced a new directive aimed at curbing the spread of illegal and unlicensed medical practices across the country.

The directive, formally known as the ‘No License, No Practice’ rule, came into effect at the end of the first month of the Ethiopian calendar year, and mandates all health services to be provided only by licensed and qualified professionals.

According to the notice, regional health bureaus have been instructed to strictly enforce the measure, with legal and administrative actions to be taken against any individual or institution found operating without proper authorization.

In the letter, the Ministry stated that it strives to deliver high-quality, equitable health services to the community. This goal, according to the statement, is challenged by the widespread observation of illegal and unlicensed health service provision.

According to the Ministry, the practice has become a major challenge to ensuring the quality of the health sector and the health of the community.

“The Ministry of Health instructs that this directive must be strictly enforced, and the necessary legal and administrative measures should be taken against any individual or institution that provides health service without a license or permit,” it reads.

The directive also requires all concerned bodies to begin enforcement immediately and provide regular reports to the Ministry.

“To protect the interest of the public, the Ministry has developed a comprehensive No License, No Practice directive which is expected to be implemented by all stakeholders,” reads the notice.

Following the federal directive, the Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau issued a notice instructing local authorities to act in line with the Ministry’s order.

Regional health officials say that illegal and unlicensed health service provision is becoming a severe challenge to quality health service in the region. They hope to see the new directive help solve this problem.

The directive further requires city, zone, and district health offices to start enforcement without delay and to take legal actions against unlicensed service providers.