Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
31 May 2023 | 20:10 CAT

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The Health Professions Council of South Africa have embarked on a nationwide crackdown on healthcare practitioners who are operating illegally. Several arrests were made in different parts of the country. One such arrest was that of a Congolese national, who was found practising as a medical practitioner in Kuruman in the Northern Cape while not registered with the Council.

South African Medical Association, Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa spoke to Radio Islam International on the widespread of the problem.

He said South Africa needs to have the investigative capacity in terms of the HPCSA going around and law enforcement agencies who should be assisting the HPCSA as well as other stakeholders, including communities who should be monitoring the illegal practice within the country.

Dr Mzukwa highlighted the kind of cases which were uncovered. He said findings had shown people who were struck by the role at the HPCSA and are unregistered practitioners have been in practice. Many dropouts from medical schools have also been in practice without any qualifications, and people from other countries who have been exposed to medicine have started practices without the authority of the HPCSA registration.

The HPCSA regulates health professions in South Africa, including education, training, registration, professional conduct, ethical behaviour, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Council has called on the public to report illegal practices by unregistered individuals and for registered practitioners to be cautious and report any suspected illegal practices.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with host Sulaimaan Ravat.