The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has warned the public to be vigilant after two individuals were caught practising as medical doctors without being registered. In separate operations in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, the HPCSA Inspectorate Office apprehended Zimbabwean nationals Faith Mayahle and Dickson Kadirire for presenting themselves as medical doctors and specialist dermatologists.
According to the HPCSA, Mayahle was caught at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Gauteng for submitting fraudulent documents, including credentials belonging to registered doctor Dr. Andrew Ferreirinah. Mayahle was arrested and detained at Pretoria Central Police Station, facing charges of fraud and contravening Section 40(a) and (b) of the Health Professions Act.
Regulatory Oversight and Patient Safety
Kadirire, on the other hand, was found practising as a medical doctor at Avenue Medical Centre in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province, without being registered. He revealed that he was employed by Edward Mathebula, a South African national who is also unregistered. The HPCSA has warned healthcare institutions and the public alike to remain cautious, ensuring that only qualified and duly registered practitioners are permitted to provide medical services in South Africa.
Importance of Verification Processes
Acting Registrar David Mametja emphasized the council’s stance, stating that the safety and well-being of the public is their foremost priority. The HPCSA will continue to act decisively against individuals who undermine the integrity of the health professions by practising without proper registration. To verify the credentials of healthcare providers, the public can visit the HPCSA website to check the registration status of medical practitioners.
Here are some tips to ensure you are receiving medical care from a registered practitioner:
- Check the HPCSA website to verify the registration status of your healthcare provider
- Ask to see the practitioner’s registration certificate
- Be cautious of practitioners who are unwilling to provide their registration details
