Mpumalanga woman arrested for practising medicine under deceased father's name
A Mpumalanga woman has been arrested for illegally practising medicine under her deceased father’s name, five years after his death.
The woman, who cannot be named until she appears in court, was caught examining patients at a medical facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, despite having no registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Her arrest followed a sting operation conducted by the HPCSA Inspectorate Office in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“She was found examining patients despite not being registered with Council as a medical practitioner,” the HPCSA confirmed.
She alleged that the practice belonged to her father, a qualified doctor who died five years ago. However, investigators were shocked to discover that the deceased doctor’s registration with the Council was still active.
“Inspectors further discovered that the HPCSA registration of the doctor remains active, suggesting ongoing fee payments and fraudulent use of his credentials.
“Practising without registration is illegal, and using a deceased practitioner’s registration number constitutes fraud,” the HPCSA stated.
The Council stressed that only registered and qualified individuals are legally permitted to treat patients in South Africa. “The Inspectorate Office remains committed to enforcing the Health Professions Act by addressing violations that compromise public safety and the ethical standards of the healthcare sector.”
The public has been urged to verify the credentials of medical practitioners before consulting them. “Members of the public are encouraged to verify the registration status of healthcare practitioners using the ‘Search the iRegister’ tool on the HPCSA website at www.hpcsa.co.za, or by contacting the Call Centre at 012 338 9300/1.”
The woman was detained at Nelspruit Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon.