Annual fees are payable by all persons registered in terms of the Health Professions Act. The non-payment or partial payment of annual fees will result in a registered person being suspended from the register, and the need for restoration will attract penalty fees.
“On its website the HPCSA recognises its responsibility to conduct its affairs with prudence, transparency, accountability, fairness, and in socially responsible manner, thereby safeguarding the interests of all its stakeholders. We therefore have to ask why they are opting for such an exorbitant increase in fees without explanation in already challenging economic times,” says Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of SAMA.
She says at no point was there any opportunity for input, despite the fact that this increase is way above the inflation rate.
“We would have wanted some level of consultation before this huge increase was announced. The HPCSA has moved forward with this increase without talking to the very people it represents. We are concerned, and we will be seeking clarity from them going forward,” concludes Dr Coetzee.This comes as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has announced investigations into alleged corruption at the HPCSA and other prominent actors in the public healthcare sector.
