The Purpose of the Health Committee
In keeping with our mandate of safeguarding the health of the public, Council has the Health Committee established in terms of Section 67 (e) of the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19). The Health Committee ensures that medical practitioners are fit to practice and are not impaired by mental or physical illness. The Committee is committed to the prevention, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of impaired practitioners.
When concern is raised regarding a doctor’s physical or mental health, the doctor undergoes a health assessment. The assessment normally forms part of a wider investigation into a doctor’s fitness to practice.
The Assessment Process
The assessment will take the form of an examination of the doctor’s physical or mental health by a registered Psychiatrist or other relevant Specialist. If a doctor is willing to cooperate, s/he chooses a Psychiatrist/ other Specialist of their choice. The Psychiatrist/ other Specialist will then submit a detailed report to the Committee. Following an interview with the alleged impaired practitioner, the Committee will then determine the practitioner’s fitness to practice. Depending on the gravity of the illness some practitioners are suspended from practising whilst others are allowed to practice under surveillance.
Refusal to Undergo Assessment
If a doctor refuses to undergo an assessment or fails to comply with the Health Committee, the case will be referred to the Preliminary Inquiries Committee for possible disciplinary action.