Johannesburg – A woman pretending to be a medical doctor has been arrested at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Wednesday said: “A female imposter posing as a doctor was apprehended at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital last night, (18 June 2024)”.
The GDoH said the bogus doctor was handed over to the police and spent a night in custody.
The facility management has since opened a case at Rabasotho Police Station and the suspect is due to appear in court soon.
The GDoH said unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals put innocent lives at risk.
“It is a criminal offence for any person to impersonate healthcare professionals and to practice while not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa,” said the GDoH.
“The matter is under investigation by both the facility management and the police to establish the circumstances under which the bogus doctor gained access to the hospital.”
The GDoH said it was continuously strengthening measures at facilities to safeguard the well-being of patients and staff.
“Our employees and the public are urged to be vigilant against imposters who seek to undermine the work of healthcare professionals,” said GDoH.
