The Health Professions Council of South Africa (“HPCSA”) is a statutory body, established in terms of the Health Professions Act and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the professions.
Their vision and mission are quality and equitable Healthcare for All. To enhance the quality of health for all by developing strategic policy frameworks for effective and efficient co-ordination and guidance of the professions through:
Setting contextually relevant healthcare training and practice standards for registered professions; Ensuring compliance with standards; Fostering on-going professional development and competence; Protecting the public in matters involving the rendering of health services; Public and stakeholder engagement; and Upholding and maintaining ethical and professional standards within the health professions.
The council’s objects includes those of upholding and maintaining professional standards within the health professions and ensure the investigation of complaints concerning persons registered in terms of the Health Professions Act and to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken against such persons in accordance with the Act in order to protect the interest of the public.
The professional boards have been empowered by the Act to institute an inquiry into any complaint, charge or allegation of unprofessional conduct against any person registered under the Act, and, on finding such a person guilty of such a conduct, to impose any of the penalties prescribed in section 42(1) of the Act.
Complaints can be investigated, mediated, discharged, or sanctioned.
Should you wish to lay such a complaint against a hospital or health care practitioner we are able to assist you with your complaint. On the flip side of the coin, should a complaint be lodged against you we are able to assist you in the process as our offices have Medical Law Attorneys and Consultants ready to be at your disposal during this trying time.