On 27 June 2021 South Africa, moved to adjusted alert level 4 of the lockdown following a sharp increase of COVID-19 infections. The Acting Health Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, confirmed the rapid spread of the Delta variant (first identified in India) in South Africa and is beginning to dominate new infections arising in the country’s third wave, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State. The Delta variant, currently the most transmissible form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, have left our healthcare system battling to handle the number of hospitalization admissions.
In light of the spike of infections, Council on 29 June 2021 re-invoked the HPCSA’s Business Continuity Plan which enables employees to work remotely with only a skeleton staff performing essential duties from the HPCSA offices.
The following online services will continue to be available:
Education and Training
- The evaluations will be conducted utilising a hybrid model and will include online/virtual evaluations. Physical evaluations will be conducted only when the need arises, such as, for evidence validation. These may be for a day, subject to approval by the respective Professional Boards with COVID 19 regulations and protocols to be strictly adhered to.
- Professional Board Examinations – Practitioners that require physical assemblage, such as, in an Examination Centre, are/will be conducted, subject to approval by the respective Professional Boards. COVID 19 protocols are to be strictly adhered to. Where possible, online/virtual Board Examinations are/will be conducted, subject to approval by the respective Professional Boards.
Registrations
- Registration applications can be dropped-off at the HPCSA main building. There is a drop-off box that is already available.
- Applicants and practitioners can engage the HPCSA online and upload applications through the portal accessible from www.hpcsaonline.custhelp.com.
- Duplicate registration certificates and proof of renewal of registration may also be downloaded from the link provided above.
- The verification of medical reports for practitioners required for travel or work purposes by embassies and employers will still be provided.
- All renewal of registration shall be done online. Practitioners are advised to refrain from coming to the HPCSA offices.
- All the fee payments should be conducted online or through bank transfers utilizing the available payment banking platforms.
Professional Practice
The Division is available to assist on email professionalpractice@hpcsa.co.za.
Complaints Handling Unit
- Complaints can be to be lodged via the HPCSA website using the following steps:
- Visit the HPCSA website: www.hpcsa.co.za.
- Go to the Legal & Regulatory panel and click on the dropdown menu and click Complaints Handling.
- Download the form, once completed and signed, email the form to Legalmed@hpcsa.co.za together with all relevant supporting documents including your identity document.
- Members of the public who are not able to access internet facilities can come to our offices to collect the complaint forms for completion.
- Meetings of Preliminary Committees on Inquiry are conducted virtually using MS Teams.
Raf Appeal Tribunal
- RAF appeal tribunal forms can be emailed to raf@hpcsa.co.za.
- All Tribunal meetings are conducted using MS Teams.
Inspectorate Office
- The Inspectors will continue to conduct inspections.
Prosecution Unit
- The Prosecution Unit will conduct virtual inquiries only and physical inquiries will be suspended until 31 July 2021.
- Documentation for the Legal Department can be dropped off at the Metroden building.
Executive Company Secretariat
- The Division coordinates Council and Professional Board meetings and these will continue virtually.
Stakeholder Engagements
- The Corporate Affairs Division will continue to conduct virtual Symposia and Professional Board Stakeholder Engagements as set out in the yearly calendar.
- The Call Centre will continue to carry out the duties both telephonically and electronically.
Registrar’s Office
- The Registrar’s office will continue to be available, and emails can be sent to: registrar@hpcsa.co.za.
Regular updates will be provided on the status quo.
Last Updated on 5 July 2021 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs