By Neelam Rahim

People without qualifications and using fake names risk their lives by posing as doctors. It is reported that the Health Professionals Council of SA says that in a year, they received 806 complaints involving bogus doctors, doctors engaged in unprofessional conduct, inappropriate behaviour, and fraud or sexual advances. Last week, the KZN health department reported that it had noted with grave concern the rape allegations levelled against a doctor at a Port Shepstone Hospital.

Radio Islam International discusses with the SA Medical Association’s Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa.

There is a duel problem here, those who pretend to be doctors and are not doctors at all—also inappropriate conduct and fraudulent behaviour by doctors themselves. Dr Mzukwa said this is why verifying that you are dealing with a real doctor when visiting a doctor is crucial.

According to Dr Mzukwa, those who pretend to be doctors are for monetary gain.

He said these pretend doctors choose areas where they are not known. They may also present fake qualifications to the state hospitals.

Dr Mzukwa said many complaints have surfaced regarding misconduct from doctors, but according to the report in possession, the main issue surrounds inappropriate medication.

He added that the regulatory board in South Africa, HPCSA regulates the functioning of doctors in the country and should be up and about in the country, educating communities, law enforcement agencies, and society on how they regulate doctors.

“Educate them on all they ought to know as communities when they approach a doctor. In terms of the registration and the qualifications.”

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.