Author: Mpho Dikgale

OHSC warns against fraudulent impersonation of its Inspectors

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) has noted with serious concern reports of individuals fraudulently impersonating OHSC inspectors and soliciting money from unsuspecting healthcare practitioners.

The warning follows information received by the OHSC about an individual who falsely claimed that an inspection had been scheduled at a healthcare practice. It is alleged that the impersonator asserted 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.

The OHSC confirmed 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.

Healthcare establishments and practitioners nationwide are urged to remain vigilant of bogus or suspicious inspectors and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the OHSC. Authorised inspectors carry a valid OHSC identification card or official documentation signed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Lawful and authorised inspection outcomes cannot be influenced by payment or any personal benefit. Any suspicious and unethical conduct, including impersonation, fraud, bribery or corruption by the inspectors, should be immediately reported to the OHSC Fraud and Ethics Hotline on 0800 003 231 or by email at office@thehotline.co.za.

The OHSC remains committed to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of healthcare regulation and appreciates the continued cooperation of healthcare practitioners, facilities and the public in combating fraud.

Media Enquiries
Ricardo Mahlakanya | Email: rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za | Cell: 066 473 8666

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Urgent Notice : Fraudulent Impersonation of OHSC Inspectors

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) wishes to alert stakeholders to reports of individuals fraudulently impersonating OHSC officials.

The OHSC recently received information indicating that a bogus individual contacted a healthcare practitioner, claiming that an OHSC inspection was scheduled for the practitioner’s premises. It was further alleged that the individual suggested the inspection outcome could be influenced by payment. A lump-sum payment was reportedly demanded in exchange for halting, influencing, or securing a favourable inspection outcome.

The OHSC has verified and confirmed that no authorised inspection had been scheduled for the facility concerned and that the individual was not acting on behalf of the OHSC. Such conduct constitutes fraud, undermines the integrity of healthcare regulation and oversight, and may expose healthcare facilities and health professionals to significant reputational, financial, and compliance risks.

The OHSC wishes to emphasise that:

  • All inspections are conducted by authorised inspectors who carry a valid OHSC identification card and, where applicable, an official letter of authorisation signed by the OHSC Chief Executive Officer.
  • OHSC inspectors follow established regulatory procedures and ethical standards when conducting inspections and assessments.
  • No OHSC official may request, solicit, or accept payments, gifts, favours, research incentives, sponsorships, or any form of inducement related to inspections, compliance assessments, accreditation activities, or regulatory decisions.
  • Inspection outcomes, compliance determinations, and regulatory decisions cannot be influenced through payment or any other benefit.
  • Any request for payment or personal benefit in exchange for regulatory action should be regarded as suspicious and reported immediately.

Regulators, research institutions, academic institutions, healthcare establishments, and associated stakeholders are urged to:

  • Verify the identity and credentials of any individual claiming to represent the OHSC.
  • Request official identification and proof of authorisation before engaging with inspectors or representatives.
  • Confirm inspection arrangements and regulatory communications through the OHSC website when in doubt.
  • Strengthen internal awareness among staff, researchers, administrators, and compliance personnel regarding the risks of impersonation, bribery, fraud, and corruption.
  • Report any suspected impersonation, fraud, bribery, solicitation, corruption, or unethical conduct to the OHSC Fraud and Ethics Hotline.

OHSC Fraud and Ethics Hotline

☎ Hotline: 0800 003 231
📧 Email: office@thehotline.co.za
🌐 Website: www.ohsc.org.za

Protecting the integrity, independence, and credibility of healthcare regulation and oversight remains a priority for the OHSC. We appreciate the continued vigilance, cooperation, and commitment of regulators, research institutions, academic institutions, healthcare establishments, and practitioners in combating fraudulent activities and safeguarding public trust in the healthcare system.

 

Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC)

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The Office of Health Standards Compliance Celebrates World Patient Safety Day 2025

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) joins the global community today in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2025, under the theme “Safe care for every newborn and every child”. This year’s focus serves as a reminder to all stakeholders that ensuring the safety of our youngest patients is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility across the health system.
Newborns and children, just as adults, should receive healthcare that is safe, of high quality, and free from preventable harm. Unfortunately, unsafe healthcare worldwide and locally continues to cause illness, disability, and even death of children.
As the regulatory authority responsible for protecting healthcare service users by ensuring compliance with norms and standards regulations, the OHSC is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers maintain the highest levels of healthcare services and accountability. The OHSC continues to uphold its commitment to oversee compliance with quality standards by conducting inspections. Additionally, the OHSC provides ongoing support to healthcare providers in health establishments through guidance and support workshops.
The OHSC promotes a culture of openness, learning, and accountability to prevent avoidable harm through interactions with stakeholders in the sector. Furthermore, the OHSC engages with communities to raise awareness of patient safety rights and responsibilities during community engagement initiatives.
Children are our future; providing safe care for newborns and children is not optional but a legal, ethical, and moral obligation. The OHSC will continue to work with healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to healthcare that is safe.
On this World Patient Safety Day, the Office of Health Standards Compliance calls on all stakeholders to prioritise the safety of our youngest citizens. Together, we can transform healthcare services and health establishments into safe spaces for every child, every time.

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The Bulletin Volume 9

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

1,084 Views