The bogus doctor who was recently apprehended at Thembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital had been admitted to the facility as a patient a few months ago.
The health department in Gauteng said she had been admitted from May 23 to May 28 and was apprehended in the same ward where she was receiving medical care.
Motalatale Modiba, the spokesperson for the department, said nurses working in the ABT (Alternative Building Technologies) unit saw a woman using a stethoscope while making rounds.
Imposter nabbed at ward ABT
Her medical knowledge was dubious based on her interactions with the nurses.
“Security personnel were notified of the suspect imposter at ward ABT,” said Modiba.
“The 37-year-old lady was requested to produce her HPCSA [Health Professions Council of South Africa] registration number, persal number, and she was unable to do so.
“She was apprehended by security personnel and handed over to the SAPS [SA Police Service.”
Modiba said the department is concerned by incidents of this nature, stating that the department continues to improve its processes and access control measures.
“Staff members have been urged to always wear their name badge for ease of identification.”
Security companies appointed
Commenting on the security at health facilities, he said the department recently appointed new security companies on a long-term basis.
“We are also continuing with awareness to both our staff and the public to be more vigilant of imposters who want to undermine the work of healthcare professionals.
“The phenomenon of bogus health practitioners is concerning across the healthcare system and the department continues to work with law-enforcement agencies and the HPCSA to clamp down of these,” he said.
The matter is being investigated and the suspect is still in police custody.
During the 2023/24 period, more than 300 complaints were sent through to the HPCSA and over the past three years, 136 alleged bogus practitioners have been arrested.
