Latest news with #HPCSA
The South African
3 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Not enough breastfeeding for South Africa's babies
We often hear that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies from birth. South African mothers, however have not been breastfeeding their babies enough. As South Africa observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week until 7 August, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (PBSN) together with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) expresses concern that only 20 percent of babies in the country are exclusively breastfed. A statement by the HPCSA, shows that South Africa has failed dismally in achieving an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% by 2025, a global expectation target endorsed by the World Health Assembly. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done in South Africa to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and to meet global targets. Recent data shows that in South Africa, 44% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks in 2021/22, down from 49% in 2019/20,' said the HPCSA. A Human Sciences Research Council Report indicates that only 20% of infants from birth to six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa to date. Globally, 48% of infants are breastfed, while the expected target for 2025 is 50%. The revised target for breastfeeding by 2030 is 70%. Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an initiative planned by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year's theme is: Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. 'A sustainable breastfeeding support system is an all-of-society approach that ensures every mother has the support, environment and resources to breastfeed successfully, from the first two years of a child's life and beyond,' said WABA in a statement. According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is best because: It has healthy nutrients compared to formula which are easier to absorb and digest. It contains nutrients that aid successful brain growth and nervous system development, making them fare better in intelligence tests later in life. The fat in breastmilk develops better eyesight in babies. Breastmilk consumption combats infections. Breastfed infants do not succumb to digestive, lung and ear infections. Premature babies who are breastfed are not susceptible to intestine related infections. Babies who are prone to infection while being breastfed experience less severe symptoms. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Investigations after patients accuse Durban cardiologist of malpractice
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is investigating claims of medical malpractice by a cardiologist at Life Westville Hospital in Durban, accused of performing unnecessary surgical procedures. According to the Rising Sun, more than five patients have come forward with allegations against Ntando Duze, a doctor with admitting rights at the hospital. The patients allege they were subjected to invasive procedures, including the insertion of stents, which they believe were not medically necessary. The allegations, which have raised alarm among both patients and medical professionals, were brought to the attention of Life Healthcare and the HPCSA. Complainants say the procedures caused more harm than healing and questioned whether proper informed consent was obtained. In response to media queries, Life Healthcare confirmed that it was informed of the allegations by the HPCSA and has since launched an internal review. 'Upon receiving this information, we promptly provided the relevant details and initiated our own internal review process in accordance with our robust clinical management protocols. Our investigation is still ongoing, and we are therefore not in a position to disclose further details at this stage,' said Dr Karisha Quarie, the chief medical officer at the hospital. While the exact number and nature of complaints remain undisclosed, the hospital group said it takes such allegations seriously and is committed to acting on the findings once the review is concluded. Dr Quarie emphasised that Dr Duze, like many specialists operating at Life facilities, is not an employee but an independent healthcare practitioner with admitting rights. 'This distinction underscores that, while they provide essential medical services within our facilities, they operate independently,' she explained. Life Healthcare reiterated its commitment to patient safety and quality care, stating: 'Our primary concern is always the well-being and safety of our patients.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
24-06-2025
- IOL News
Mpumalanga woman arrested for practising medicine under deceased father's name
A woman in Mpumalanga has been arrested for unlawfully practising medicine under her deceased father's name,. Image: Supplied A Mpumalanga woman has been arrested for illegally practising medicine under her deceased father's name, five years after his death. The woman, who cannot be named until she appears in court, was caught examining patients at a medical facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, despite having no registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Her arrest followed a sting operation conducted by the HPCSA Inspectorate Office in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 'She was found examining patients despite not being registered with Council as a medical practitioner,' the HPCSA confirmed. She alleged that the practice belonged to her father, a qualified doctor who died five years ago. However, investigators were shocked to discover that the deceased doctor's registration with the Council was still active. 'Inspectors further discovered that the HPCSA registration of the doctor remains active, suggesting ongoing fee payments and fraudulent use of his credentials. 'Practising without registration is illegal, and using a deceased practitioner's registration number constitutes fraud,' the HPCSA stated. The Council stressed that only registered and qualified individuals are legally permitted to treat patients in South Africa. 'The Inspectorate Office remains committed to enforcing the Health Professions Act by addressing violations that compromise public safety and the ethical standards of the healthcare sector.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The public has been urged to verify the credentials of medical practitioners before consulting them. 'Members of the public are encouraged to verify the registration status of healthcare practitioners using the 'Search the iRegister' tool on the HPCSA website at or by contacting the Call Centre at 012 338 9300/1.' The woman was detained at Nelspruit Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon. THE MERCURY
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Public urged to check doctors' credentials after unregistered locum arrested at Secunda clinic
The Health Professions Council of South Africa has said it is illegal for a doctor to practice without being registered with it. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has confirmed the arrest of an unregistered medical locum found unlawfully practising at a medical facility in Embalenhle township, Secunda, Mpumalanga. According to HPCSA, the man was apprehended during an inspection conducted by the Council's Inspectorate Office at a doctor's practice. He was discovered working as a locum, despite not being registered with the Council. A locum is a temporary medical practitioner who fills in for another doctor, often during periods of absence or increased patient load. Practicing while not being registered with the council is in contravention of Section 17(1) of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
HPCSA arrests unregistered locum in Mpumalanga for unlawful practice
A locum was arrested in Mpumalanga for practising medicine without being registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa(HPCSA). Image: File The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding healthcare standards by ensuring that unregistered individuals who practice unlawfully are held accountable. A recent inspection at a medical facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga, has resulted in the arrest of an unregistered locum, underscoring the Council's steadfast efforts to uphold professional integrity within the healthcare sector. During an inspection conducted by the HPCSA's Inspectorate Office at the practice of registered medical professional Dr Adolphe Sumahili, authorities discovered Jonathan Ilungwa practicing as a locum without the necessary registration with the HPCSA. This breach of the Health Professions Act, which has serious implications for both public safety and professional ethics. Ilungwa was subsequently arrested and detained at the Embalenhle Police Station, where he awaits an upcoming court appearance. In a related development, Dr Sumahili will face scrutiny from the Professional Board for the Medical and Dental profession due to allegations of unethical conduct for hiring an unregistered practitioner. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The HPCSA emphasised that registered practitioners must adhere to stringent registration requirements when hiring others, highlighting their responsibility to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards in healthcare provision. The organisation has continuously committed itself to identifying and acting against those who contravene the Health Professions Act, underlining their role as guardians of public health. Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant and informed regarding the registration status of healthcare practitioners. They can easily verify an individual's registration by using the 'Search the iRegister' feature on the HPCSA website at Furthermore, concerns about suspected unlawful practices can be directed to the HPCSA's Call Centre at 012 338 9300/1 or reported via the email: InspectorateOffice@
