The Department of Health welcomes the removal of Dr CI Odidi from the Register by the Professional Conduct Committee of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Deputy Health Minister Dr Gwen Ramokgopa today said the Health Department shares the deep concern of the HPCSA about the increase in the number of sexually related complaints lodged against healthcare practitioners.
“The Department of Health will not tolerate health professionals who betray the trust of our patients and will take strong action against those doctors,” she said.
Presently, the HPCSA has over 180 000 members registered with it and of these only about 35 complaints relating to sexual misconduct have been lodged with since 2006. However, Dr Ramokgopa said regardless of the small number of these cases, the Department of Health viewed them with in a most serious light, as their conduct has the potential to tarnish the image of the health profession.
“However the department, take comfort in the knowledge that the majority of health practitioners, are men and women of outstanding ethical standing who conduct themselves professionally.” she said.
Dr Ramokgopa said the department supports the action taken by the HPCSA as it will send a strong message to the public that acts of this nature will not be tolerated by HPCSA and the Department of Health.
Enquiries:
Bhungani Mzolo
Tel: 012 395 8479
Cell: 071 600 8927
