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The SA Health Professions Council (HPCSA) confirmed the arrest of over 120 individuals posing as doctors in an extensive crackdown on fraudulent medical practices.
Speaking to City Press on Monday, the council's spokesperson, Christopher Tsatsawane, revealed that these arrests were made over approximately three years, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The apprehension of the 124 bogus doctors from different provinces in the country occurred over three years through an ongoing campaign by the HPCSA and the police. The campaign is aimed at clamping down on illegal doctors in the country.
In response to parliamentary inquiries, Health Minister Joe Phaahla acknowledged that the raids conducted in places commonly associated with medical practices greatly facilitated the apprehension of these impostors.
Phaahla’s written reply in Parliament was to the African Transformation Movement, Member of Parliament, Vuyolwethu Zungula's concerns regarding a Congolese national who was arrested for practising illegally as a doctor.
Zungula had enquired about the total number of people who had been caught practising without registering with the HPCSA.
According to Phaahla, fake doctors often operate in the private sector, where cash payments could be received discreetly.
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The minister emphasised that operating in the medical sector without the necessary approvals from the HPCSA was illegal.
He referred to Section 17 of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), which mandates registration with the council as a prerequisite for practising any health profession.
Phaahla said:
Failing to register and practising without authorisation constitutes a criminal offence.
He said:
Tsatsawane expressed deep concern over the increasing number of fraudulent practitioners emerging in the country, highlighting the significant threat they posed to people's lives.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious doctors they encounter. He encouraged individuals to verify the legitimacy of a doctor by contacting the HPCSA at 012338-9300/9301 or checking the doctor's ID or practice number on the council's website.
He further told City Press:
Mvuyisi Mzukwa, the spokesperson for the SA Medical Association, commended the HPCSA for its efforts in addressing this pressing issue through the inspectorate office.
Speaking to television news broadcaster eNCA, Mzukwa revealed that many of these individuals lack proper medical training or possess only partial qualifications.
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He explained that they often display signs advertising themselves as doctors, such as using the name, "Doctor Cure," raising red flags for discerning patients.
Mzukwa further revealed that some of these impostors operate as part of syndicates, compounding the threat they pose to the community.
He called for continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the HPCSA and the public to identify and apprehend more individuals involved in such fraudulent activities, safeguarding the welfare of South African communities.
