Cape Town – The SA Medical Association (Sama) has slammed the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for upping registration fees for professionals by 21%.
Sama said it was shocked at the increase, which was apparently made without any consultations. The fees, which will be payable by April 1, were labelled by Sama as extremely high, and out of step with the economic climate.
“Annual fees are being increased by 21% and are payable by 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,” Sama said.
The association’s chairperson, Dr Angelique Coetzee, said at no point was there any opportunity for input.
“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,” Coetzee said.
On its website the HPCSA recognised its responsibility to conduct its affairs with prudence, transparency, accountability, fairness, and in a socially responsible manner, thereby safeguarding the interests of all its stakeholders, she added.
Cape Times