Registration of Health Professionals in the United Kingdom and Botswana: A Comparative Analysis of the Overarching Principles

Abstract

This article assesses the laws governing the registration of health professionals in Botswana and compares them to those in the United Kingdom (UK). It discusses the legal framework concerning the overarching functions of regulatory bodies and the governance arrangements in both jurisdictions. In the UK, the registration of professionals has advanced significantly since the 18th century, while it remains in its early stages in Botswana. The primary intention of the law is to protect the public as users of health services, as such provisions represent a public good. The article examines several leading cases in health registration and emphasises the need to safeguard the public without disadvantaging professionals. The primary sources of law in the UK and Botswana are explored, alongside the healthcare regulation laws of other countries, including those in the Southern African Development Community.