The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) said two unregistered individuals in Durban were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Inspectorate Office and law enforcement agencies.

The HPCSA said in a statement that during an inspection at a medical practice in Umbilo, officials found a woman working as a Dental Assistant without being registered with the council.

She was arrested and detained at the Umbilo Police Station.

In a separate incident at a Berea medical centre, officials found a man practising as a Clinical Associate, despite not being registered with the council.

He had been employed by a doctor since September 2, 2024. He was also arrested and detained at Umbilo Police Station.

Both accused, who cannot be named until they appear in court, are set to appear to face charges for violating Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 which prohibits unregistered individuals from practising in regulated healthcare professions.

The HPCSA said the two doctors, who are both registered practitioners, will be reported to the Medical and Dental Professions Board for unethical conduct of employing unregistered individuals in their respective practices.

The council advised that all registered healthcare practitioners must employ only suitably qualified and registered individuals to maintain professional and ethical standards in the sector.

“The Inspectorate Office will continue its nationwide campaign to identify and act against individuals violating the Health Professions Act.”

The public can verify practitioners' registration status through the 'Search the Register' function at www.hpcsa.co.za or by calling 012 338 9300/1.

Suspected illegal practices can be reported to the Inspectorate Office at InspectorateOffice@hpcsa.co.za.

THE MERCURY