Scam alert! Fake healthcare inspector demands payment
Healthcare establishments and practitioners nationwide should remain vigilant of bogus or suspicious inspectors
An individual is pretending to be an Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) inspector, demanding money from unsuspecting healthcare practitioners.
Speaking on behalf of the OHSC, Ricardo Mahlakanya said they have received information that the individual falsely claims that an inspection had been scheduled at a healthcare practice.
“It is alleged that the impersonator would assert that payment would resolve any non-compliance findings.
“This is contrary to the OHSC ethical standards and core values because real inspectors will not accept cash, gifts, or any form of personal payment from facilities, staff or members of the public in exchange for inspection results or regulatory outcomes,” he said.
Mahlakanya explained that no authorised inspection had been scheduled, and that the individual was not acting on behalf of the organisation.
The OHSC is the national health regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with health standards to promote safe and quality healthcare services.
Its work includes inspecting health establishments, certifying compliant facilities, and investigating complaints about the quality of healthcare services.
“We urge all healthcare establishments and practitioners nationwide to remain vigilant of bogus or suspicious inspectors, and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the OHSC.”
Take note
• Authorised inspectors carry a valid OHSC identification card or official documentation signed by the CEO
• Lawful inspection outcomes cannot be influenced by payment or any personal benefit
• Any suspicious and unethical conduct, including impersonation, fraud, bribery or corruption by inspectors, should be immediately reported to the OHSC Fraud and Ethics Hotline on 0800 003 231 or email office@thehotline.co.za
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