Media Statement - HPCSA

1 553 Madiba Street Arcadia, Pretoria PO Box 205. Pretoria, 0001. Tel: +27 (12) 3389300. Fax: +27 (12) 3285120. Email: Website: Media Statement HPCSA 's RESPONSE TO THE SAMA Media Statement DATED 26 JANUARY 2016. 27 January 2016. For immediate release Pretoria - The HPCSA notes with disappointment the statements made in the Media on Tuesday 26. January 2016 by the South African Medical Association (SAMA). The HPCSA believes that SAMA is one of its key stakeholders. One of the responsibilities for both is to ensure that there is constant engagement, especially on pertinent issues that might affect the relationship. As the HPCSA , we had expected that SAMA would raise its concerns first with Council before raising them in the Media , More importantly, since this was the Minister's initiative and as courtesy to the Minister, it was expected that SAMA would engage the Minister to request progress made by the HPCSA on the recommendations of the MTT Report said, President of the HPCSA , Dr Letlape.

2 The HPCSA has written to SAMA, to express its concern and informing SAMA, of its intention to respond. When the new HPCSA Council was appointed in October 2015, the Minister mandated this Council to ensure that all matters raised in the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) Report were addressed. Of importance, is to emphasise that the new Council is already looking into the matter and putting into place corrective measures to address the issues raised. The HPCSA believes that had SAMA. engaged Council on these matters, it would have had an opportunity to be appraised on the progress made in relation to the recommendations of the MTT Report. To place it on record, the Minister is continually kept abreast on all the developments and actions taken by the HPCSA in respect of the MTT Report recommendations.

3 To date, two reports have been prepared and submitted to the Minister on how the Council is moving forward in addressing the issues;. one in December 2015 and another in January 2016, with a further report to be presented, tomorrow, 28 January 2016. _____. Protecting the public and guiding the professions President: Dr TKS Letlape, Vice President: Mr LA Malotana, Registrar/CEO: Dr B Mjamba-Matshoba Ends About the Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ). The Health Professions Council of South Africa ( HPCSA ) is a statutory body and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the professions. The mission of the HPCSA is quality healthcare standards for all. The Council is mandated to regulate the health professions in the country in aspects pertaining to registration, education and training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing Professional Development (CPD), and fostering compliance with healthcare standards.

4 In order to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, registration in terms of the Act is a prerequisite for practising any of the health professions with which Council is concerned. Issued by: Daphney Chuma Senior Manager: Public Relations and Service Delivery Health Professions Council of South Africa Tel: 012 338 9481. Email: For more information, please contact: Priscilla Sekhonyana Communications Manager Health Professions Council of South Africa Tel: 012 338 9368. Cell: 082 801 6685. _____. Protecting the public and guiding the professions President: Dr TKS Letlape, Vice President: Mr LA Malotana, Registrar/CEO: Dr B Mjamba-Matshoba