Fake TikTok “doctor” Matthew Lani, who made headlines last year after being unveiled as an imposter with no medical degree, has claimed he was denied ARVs by various clinics, and laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC).
News24 reports that the HRC has threatened the Gauteng Health Department with legal action after Lani complained he was denied access to Hillbrow Clinic, Windsor Clinic and Helen Joseph Hospital.
He said a poster bearing his face had been circulated in October, barring him from any health facilities.
In a letter to Gauteng Health, the HRC wrote that denying Lani access to his ARV medication was a violation of his fundamental right to healthcare.
“This …serves as an official notice that if Lani is not immediately allowed to collect his medication without any unjustifiable barriers, we will have no choice but to pursue legal action.
“…further delay to comply will leave us with no choice but to proceed with the necessary legal actions….”
Health Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said they had first become aware of the letter via third parties.
"Our legal services have since written to the commission to verify the authenticity of the letter and to gather more facts to enable us to properly respond.”
Lani told News24 his medication ran out on 4 December but when he went to Windsor Clinic to collect his ARVs, the security guards recognised him and said the department had banned him from their premises.
“They showed me a poster, ordering them to deny me access.”
At Hillbrow Clinic he had also been told he was banned.
“I was held there for almost an hour. The police were called and clarified there was no trespassing case against me.”
He said nurses at Hillbrow Clinic requested a referral letter from Helen Joseph Hospital, but he was turned away by security officials at the hospital’s gate.
The Hawks are continuing their investigations into the imposter claims.
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How many more Matthew Lanis are dishing out fake medical advice?
TikTok ‘doctor’ a free man after charges dropped
Bogus TikTok doctor charged by Gauteng Health