‘Fake’ Doctor Arrested at Gauteng Hospital A man posing as a medical doctor has been arrested at a Gauteng hospital, sparking concerns over the safety of patients. The arrest was made after the suspect was unable to produce valid medical credentials when questioned by hospital staff. Further investigation revealed that he had been working as a “doctor” at the hospital for several months, allegedly gaining access through a false identity. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect had been performing basic medical examinations and prescribing medications to patients. However, authorities are still determining the full extent of his actions and whether any patients were harmed as a result of his fraudulent activities. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Gauteng healthcare system, raising questions about the security measures in place to protect patients from unqualified individuals. “We take the safety and well-being of our patients very seriously,” said a spokesperson for the hospital. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice and that any potential risks to patients are mitigated.” The spokesperson urged patients who may have interacted with the suspect to immediately contact the hospital for further information and guidance. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s access to the hospital and the potential involvement of any other individuals in his fraudulent activities.Fake Doctor Arrested at Tembisa HospitalFake Doctor Arrested at Tembisa Hospital Authorities have apprehended a woman for allegedly impersonating a doctor at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. The Gauteng Health Department confirmed the incident, stating that the woman was taken into custody on Tuesday evening. She is set to appear in court shortly. “The fake doctor was handed over to the police and spent a night in custody. The center’s management has since opened a case at the Rabasotho police station,” said Motalatale Modiba, the department’s spokesperson. Modiba emphasized that posing as a healthcare professional is a criminal offense and can endanger lives. He added that the incident is under investigation to determine how the suspect gained access to the hospital. The department is also strengthening measures to safeguard patients and staff from impostors. In addition, employees and the public are urged to remain vigilant against individuals trying to undermine the work of healthcare professionals. Last year, the department opened a case against a TikToker known as Dr. Matthew Lani for allegedly impersonating a doctor at Tembisa Tertiary Hospital. Despite his arrest, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later released him due to insufficient evidence.A suspected bogus doctor, who allegedly posed as a medical practitioner and issued fraudulent prescriptions at a Gauteng hospital, was arrested. Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the 44-year-old suspect was arrested at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto. He said the suspect was not an employee of the hospital. “It is alleged that the suspect was operating within the hospital, pretending to be a medical practitioner, wearing a white coat and stethoscope, issuing fraudulent prescriptions to unsuspecting patients,” said Masondo. He said police received a tip-off from a hospital employee who became suspicious of the suspect’s activities. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was not a registered medical practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). “A search was conducted on the suspect and he was found in possession of fraudulent prescriptions, a stethoscope, and a white coat,” said Masondo. He said the suspect has been charged with fraud and impersonating a medical practitioner. “The suspect is expected to appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 February 2023,” said Masondo. Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi condemned the incident and called on the public to be vigilant. “We urge the public to always verify the credentials of healthcare practitioners before receiving any medical services. You can do this by checking the HPCSA register or contacting the hospital directly,” said Mokgethi. She said the department was working closely with law enforcement agencies to crack down on bogus doctors. “We will not tolerate any form of fraud or misconduct in our health facilities. We appeal to the public to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities,” she said.