The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding healthcare standards by ensuring that unregistered individuals who practice unlawfully are held accountable. A recent inspection at a medical facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga, has resulted in the arrest of an unregistered locum, underscoring the Council’s steadfast efforts to uphold professional integrity within the healthcare sector.

During an inspection conducted by the HPCSA’s Inspectorate Office at the practice of registered medical professional Dr Adolphe Sumahili, authorities discovered Jonathan Ilungwa practicing as a locum without the necessary registration with the HPCSA. This breach of the Health Professions Act, which has serious implications for both public safety and professional ethics.

Ilungwa was subsequently arrested and detained at the Embalenhle Police Station, where he awaits an upcoming court appearance. In a related development, Dr Sumahili will face scrutiny from the Professional Board for the Medical and Dental profession due to allegations of unethical conduct for hiring an unregistered practitioner.

The HPCSA emphasised that registered practitioners must adhere to stringent registration requirements when hiring others, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in healthcare provision. The organisation has continuously committed itself to identifying and acting against those who contravene the Health Professions Act, underlining their role as guardians of public health.

Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant and informed regarding the registration status of healthcare practitioners. They can easily verify an individual’s registration by using the ‘Search the iRegister’ feature on the HPCSA website at www.hpcsa.co.za. Furthermore, concerns about suspected unlawful practices can be directed to the HPCSA’s Call Centre at 012 338 9300/1 or reported via the email: InspectorateOffice@hpcsa.co.za.

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