Authorities in Johannesburg have launched a significant crackdown on unregistered medical practitioners.
Image: File
Two unregistered foreign national doctors have been arrested in separate operations conducted by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and law enforcement.
The investigation was carried out by the HPCSA Inspectorate alongside the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.
At the high-profile Marble Towers in the Johannesburg CBD, officers arrested Congolese national Chicco Mwanza Ekongolo, who was caught performing the duties of a medical practitioner without any registration to his name.
The investigation further revealed the facility is owned by a doctor, a registered professional who now faces disciplinary action from the Medical and Dental Professions Board for facilitating this dangerous practice.
Ekongolo has appeared in court and the matter was postponed.
In a separate sting in Northriding, officials found Zimbabwean Enniphus Grace who was working as an oral hygienist.
The HPCSA said Grace, who has appeared in court, was unregistered and was reportedly employed by another unregistered individual. This person is being sought by the police.
The HPCSA said dealing with illegal and bogus practitioners is an ongoing concern that required the public's input.
Dr Magome Masike, the Registrar of the HPCSA, said that the presence of unregistered and fraudulent practitioners poses a serious risk to public safety and undermines the integrity and credibility of the health professions.
He warned that the fight against these bogus operators is not an isolated battle but one that requires coordinated action from police and regulatory bodies to stop the rot in the health sector.
The Council is warning the public that a doctor’s coat or a clinical setting is no guarantee of legitimacy. They are urging residents to take charge of their own safety by checking credentials immediately.
Patients can verify the status of any healthcare provider using the iRegister tool on the HPCSA website, calling 012 338 9300 or 012 338 9301, or by reporting suspected illegal practices directly to the Inspectorate Office at InspectorateOffice@hpcsa.co.za.
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