As we are aware, there are close to 1000 unemployed doctors currently in South Africa. There are also other health professionals facing a similar fate. 

While it is a legal requirement for any medical practitioner and other categories of Health Professionals to pay annual fees to the body that regulates their profession in order to be able to practise in South Africa, it remains a big challenge for unemployed doctors to pay these fees because the majority do not have any source of income. They use the little they have to survive on a day to day basis.

We therefore urge the Health Professionals Council of South Africa to consider extending the payment deadline for 2024/25 fees for a minimum of 3 months. It will still be the employer's responsibility to ensure that where an individual who was previously unemployed is now being employed, they provide evidence of payment of fees, followed by proof of the HPCSA card within stipulated timelines.

We further request that concessions be made for those completing their community service in the asynchronous cycle to be able to register as Independent Practitioners, with a stipulation of timelines by which they must pay the annual fees.

It is a difficult period for all in the medical profession, and where provisions can be made, we urge the authorities and regulatory bodies to show leniency up to a certain extent.