The Portfolio Committee on Health has issued a strong warning to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), expressing deep and growing concern over the statutory body’s failure to execute its mandate to protect the public from unprofessional and unethical conduct.

The committee’s tough stance follows a briefing by the HPCSA, which confirmed a sharp increase in public complaints coupled with systemic operational failures.

Systemic Failures Undermining Public Trust

Committee Chairperson Ms. Azwihagwisi Faith Muthambi stated that the HPCSA continues to struggle with an unacceptable backlog, poor turnaround times, and weak oversight from its professional Boards.

The committee stressed that these failures leave victims unprotected, delay justice, and severely undermine public trust in South Africa’s healthcare system.

Key systemic weaknesses identified by the committee include:

• Complaint Backlog: An unacceptable volume of unresolved cases with poor turnaround times.

• Governance: Continued delays and selective handling of complaints, and the failure to constitute the Council and its Boards as required by law.

• Financial Issues: Exorbitant penalties on late registration fees for health professionals.

• Criminal Follow-up: Poor follow-up on matters involving criminal elements.

• Capacity: Inadequate resourcing in the complaints unit to manage the increasing volume effectively.

Parliamentary Demands and 30-Day Ultimatum

The committee has issued a directive to the HPCSA, demanding the submission of a clear and measurable action plan within 30 days.

This plan must outline specific timeframes and measures to achieve the following:

1. Eliminate the backlog of unresolved complaints.

2. Strengthen investigative and disciplinary capacity.

3. Restore the functionality of its Boards.

4. Establish proper governance and accountability mechanisms.

5. Implement firm turnaround times for complaints and improved communication with complainants.

6. Put in place measures to protect victims while cases are under investigation.

The HPCSA was also instructed to work closely with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to ensure the regulatory system serves the public interest, not internal bureaucratic processes.

Focus on NHI Alignment and Public Awareness

Members specifically questioned the HPCSA on two critical areas:

• NHI Integration: The committee sought clarity on how the HPCSA intends to align its regulatory functions with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, emphasizing that regulatory oversight must keep pace with the evolving health system.

• Legislative Review: Questions were raised on whether the current legislation is sufficient or whether amendments are needed to strengthen the HPCSA’s effectiveness in managing disciplinary matters.

• Public Awareness: The committee insisted that public awareness of complaint procedures, particularly in rural and underserved areas, must be urgently improved to ensure all citizens know where and how to report unprofessional conduct.

Chairperson Muthambi issued a final warning, stating that Parliament expects tangible results, not bureaucratic assurances, and confirmed that the committee will hold a follow-up meeting early in the new year to assess progress. “The era of regulatory complacency is over,” she said.