Bogus optometrist nabbed
ILLEGAL PRACTICE
The HPCSA also reminds all registered practitioners of their legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that only appropriately qualified and registered professionals are employed in their practices.
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The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) commends the Inspectorate Office for its continued efforts in combating illegal practice within the healthcare sector.
During an inspection at the medical practice of a registered optometrist, Mr Mohlalefi Selepe, in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, inspectors discovered an unregistered individual practising unlawfully as an optometrist. Mr Geoffrey Chabuka, a Malawian national, was arrested for contravening Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974, by practising while not registered with the Council.
He was detained at Flagstaff Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court soon. The HPCSA further confirms that Mr Selepe will be reported to the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians for employing an unregistered individual as a locum to perform clinical procedures on patients at his practice.
The HPCSA also reminds all registered practitioners of their legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that only appropriately qualified and registered professionals are employed in their practices.
This measure safeguards the integrity of the profession and protects the public. Practising without proper registration is unlawful and poses serious risks to patient safety.
The HPCSA urges members of the public to confirm the registration status of healthcare practitioners through the“Search the iRegister” function on the HPCSA website at www.hpcsa.co.za, or by contacting the Call Centre on 012 338 9300/1.
Any suspected illegal practices may also be reported [email protected]