Fake doctor busted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has issued a warning to the public to be cautious of fraudulent healthcare practitioners after a person posing as a medical doctor was apprehended at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) on Sunday (25 February) night.

The individual was attempting to solicit a bribe before rendering ‘alleged’ medical assistance.

The suspect, who was wearing green scrubs with the name “Dr. Zulu” imprinted on the uniform, was reported to have demanded R700 from an escort to a patient in need of assistance.

The dubious doctor directed the escort to meet at the pedestrian gate to finalize the payment, prompting the escort to raise concerns to the hospital’s security personnel.

The security team at CHBAH managed to intercept the suspect at the pedestrian gate, where she was unable to provide a Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) registration number or a persal number when requested.

Consequently, a case was lodged with the Diepkloof police station by the CHBAH team.

The suspect spent a night in custody and was expected to appear at the Orlando Magistrate Court on Monday, February 27.

In response to the incident, the GDoH emphasized the importance of vigilance, urging the public not to fall for similar scams.

The department emphasized that healthcare workers within the hospital facilities will never solicit direct payments from patients. If any fees are applicable, they will be processed through the hospital’s patient administration with a corresponding invoice detailing the services provided.