THE Veterinary Council of Tanzania (VCT) has revoked the registrations of 120 veterinarians for failing to pay long-overdue fees, making them ineligible to provide veterinary services.

Dr George Mtinda, the VCT assistant registrar, said at a –press conference here yesterday that the move stemmed from their failure to pay the annual 30,000/- fee, in which case the veterinarians are prohibited from offering services.

After reviewing the list of defaulters, the council concluded that the veterinarians had accumulated substantial debts over an extended period, disqualifying them from providing services under the regulations, he said.

“The council has authorized the revocation of the registrations of 120 veterinarians for failing to meet the qualifications required to provide veterinary services, due to their prolonged outstanding debts,” he said.

 “Those whose registrations have been revoked can reapply by settling the fines, fees and outstanding debts. If they remain unregistered for two years, they will need to undergo examinations before being re-registered,” he specified.

Paying the annual fee is a legal obligation for veterinarians to renew their registrations each year, he said, noting that the council has so far registered over 1,200 veterinarians.

“Those whose registrations have been revoked will not be allowed to continue providing services, and anyone found practising without valid registration will face legal consequences, including prosecution,” he cautioned.

Although the revocation may result in a shortage of veterinary professionals, it is a necessary legal requirement, he said, reaffirming that anyone practising without proper authorization will be operating illegally and will not be recognised by the council,” he said, urging veterinarians to comply with the legal registration process to prevent unnecessary complications.

James Kawamala, the Tanzania Veterinary Association secretary, expressed regret over the move, acknowledging its negative impact, while acknowledging that the government had carried out its duties.

The government had consistently reminded veterinarians and the association had diligently carried out its responsibility to alert its members, he said, attributing the situation to negligence.

The association renews its appeal to members to settle their debts to avoid consequences such as service suspension and legal action, he added.