HPCSA makes u-turn over fee hikes for doctors and dentists

THE Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) has backtracked on its annual fee increase for doctors and dentists amid an outcry over what was described as an “insensitive” decision for practitioners already straining under the fight against Covid-19.

The SA Medical Association Trade Union was up in arms this week after the HPCSA board took a decision to increase doctors' and dentists' annual statutory fees by 15%.

The union charged that the decision was inconsiderate to the doctors who were currently grappling through the effects of Covid-19 and its economic ramifications.

“If members do not register with the council, they will not be able to practise.

“If doctors do not practise, then hospitals cannot employ doctors and eventually the health system will collapse.

“If members can unite and fight against this unilateral, unjust fee increment, we shall emerge victorious and take our rightful place in determining our own fate,” the union said.

The SA Medical Association along with its special interest group – the Junior Doctors Association of SA and the SA Dental Association said their strong opposition to the increase had prompted the HPCSA to call a meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday.

HPCSA spokesperson Priscilla Sekhonyana said yesterday that the fee increase was reduced by 13%.

“The HPCSA has gone through an extensive exercise to review its budget which enabled council to reduce the annual fees for the Medical and Dental Professions Board by 13%.

“Council had to ensure that the professional boards still deliver on their core mandate. The annual fees ensure that council and each of the professional boards are funded sufficiently to deliver on their core mandate including registration of practitioners, education and training, professional practice, professional conduct,” she said.

Dr Cedric Sihlangu said the gazetted fee increase had been “insensitive” to the material conditions faced by doctors, who have seen no salary increment and have suffered the economic brunt of Covid-19. “It is inconsiderate to allow a 0% fee increase to the other professional boards of the HPCSA but still subject and burden the doctors and dentists with fee hikes.”