THE Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has urged patients to verify the registration of their doctors with the council.
According to the council they have noted with concern the rise of fake doctors operating in Mzansi.
Speaking to Daily Sun on Thursday, HPCSA spokesperson Christopher Tsatsawane confirmed the rise of bogus doctors arrested for practicing without the required registration with the council.
"At times these are individuals who are not even qualified. This is a cause for concern to us as the regulator, as these behaviours put the health of the public at risk," he said.
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Tsatsawane said the council actively monitors the registration status of practitioners throughout the country where offenses are identified and necessary disciplinary steps are taken.
"We bring this conduct to the attention of law enforcement agencies for the law to take its course specifically on individuals practicing without registration with the Council," he said.
Tsatsawane also advised patients to be on high alert so that they do not fall into the trap of being treated by a fake doctor by verifying the registration of their practitioners.
Previously the People's Paper reported on an alleged bogus medical doctor who was arrested on Wednesday, 5 April for operating as a health professional without being registered with the council.
The foreign national (38) is out on R5000 bail and was set to appear before the Hendrina Magistrates Court on Thursday, Mpumalanga police spokesman Selvy Mohlala said.
