The Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has revealed that 55 people were arrested between 2021 and 2022 for either being bogus doctors or for fraud.
Of the 806 complaints received, 732 cases were finalised, and 116 cases were reported to the police, in which 55 people were arrested.
According to their judgments, more than 20 cases were finalised this year, including for unprofessional conduct, inappropriate behaviour or inadequate care, and sexual advances. Licences were either suspended or removed: for malpractice where patients were treated unprofessionally, leading to death or allowing an unregistered locum to practice.
The doctors found guilty had to pay fines ranging from R25,000 up to R70,000 for misconduct.
Dr Pero Emmanuel Ngwashele, whose body was found hidden inside the boot of a car in Gugulethu a week ago, had been arrested after an investigation by the HPCSA. He was not registered with the HPCSA and claimed he had obtained his doctorate in the DRC. He was subsequently arrested and later granted bail.
Earlier this year, another doctor, who was practising in Stellenbosch, was also found to be working illegally at a Dr Mensah’s practice.
Felix Kapesa Yuma, a Congolese citizen, was working as a locum while not registered as a medical practitioner. He has been employed by Mensah since November 2021. Yuma was arrested by Stellenbosch SAPS and Mensah has been reported to the Medical and Dental Professions Board for misconduct.
Provincial Department of Health spokesperson Mark Van Der Heever said it was important for the public to report suspicious doctors to their call centre and HPCSA.
“Doctors have to be licensed and registered with the HPCSA. Suspicions surrounding private practitioners can be reported to them. If they are in the employ of the public health service, phone our contact centre, where any issues can be raised, at 0860 142 142.”
Cape Argus PressReader article – Doctors face arrests in HPCSA clampdown (Open access)
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