Category: Latest News

OHSC commemorates World Patient Safety Day 2026, highlighting the importance of sustaining safe care throughout the patient journey

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

For Immediate Release

To All Editors and Health Journalists

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) joins South Africa and the international health community in commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2026 under the theme “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases” and the slogan “Safe care for life!”

The theme highlights the need to prevent avoidable harm in the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Many people living with these conditions require ongoing care, making safety and quality important throughout their healthcare journey.

The OHSC is mandated to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by ensuring compliance with regulated norms and standards. For the OHSC, the theme reinforces the importance of health establishments consistently meeting prescribed health norms and standards.
OHSC inspections provide a clear view of compliance with prescribed health norms and standards, highlighting areas where health establishments meet requirements and where gaps may affect patient safety. These include aspects of clinical governance and care, record-keeping and the protection of healthcare users’ rights.

While improvements in compliance are encouraging, these findings reinforce the need for strong systems and practices that support safe, quality care. This is particularly important for people living with noncommunicable diseases, who may require care over an extended period and depend on consistent standards throughout their healthcare journey.

Through inspections, certification, enforcement and other regulatory functions, the OHSC monitors compliance and takes appropriate action where standards are not met, helping health establishments address identified gaps and strengthen the protection of healthcare users.

Safe care for life means that healthcare users can expect prescribed health norms and standards to be upheld throughout their care. As the health regulator, the OHSC will continue to monitor compliance, identify areas requiring attention and take appropriate regulatory action to protect the health and safety of users and promote safer, quality healthcare.

Ends.
Issued by the Office of Health Standards Compliance.
Media Enquiries
Ricardo Mahlakanya | Email: rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za | Cell: 066 473 866

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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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Media Statement_OHSC Commemorates International Nurses Day 2026

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

MEDIA STATEMENT

For Immediate Release
12 May 2026

To All Editors and Health Journalists

OHSC HONOURS NURSES DRIVING QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN HEALTHCARE

Pretoria. In commemoration of International Nurses Day 2026, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) joins the global health community to recognise the vital role nurses play in strengthening the health system, under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”

Nurses remain the cornerstone of the healthcare system, providing compassionate care while championing patient safety and dignity. Their daily commitment directly supports compliance with quality health standards and contributes to improving patient outcomes.

The OHSC, as the country’s health regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with quality norms and standards, recognises that empowering nurses and improving their working conditions are essential to achieving sustainable quality in healthcare delivery. A well-supported nursing workforce is better positioned to uphold the standards, ethics, and accountability that ensure every patient receives safe, dignified, quality care. Through its inspections and engagements with health facilities, the OHSC observes the vital contribution nurses make to ensure compliance with required standards and support the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Within the OHSC, nurses are central to the entity’s standards development, inspections and investigations functions. Through regulatory functions, OHSC nurses play a significant role in identifying systemic challenges, holding facilities accountable, and ultimately safeguarding the public and reinforcing trust in the health system. The OHSC acknowledges the challenges faced by nurses, which affect health facilities’ ability to meet required standards consistently. Addressing these challenges is critical in strengthening the health system’s performance.

The OHSC remains committed to promoting compliance with the regulated norms and standards and supporting a safe, conducive working environment. Engaging healthcare workers, particularly nurses, as key stakeholders in quality improvement is essential in strengthening accountability mechanisms that protect both healthcare users and healthcare providers.

Recognising and empowering our nurses is not only a tribute to their dedication but also a strategic imperative towards achieving quality healthcare for all.

End.

Issued by the Office of Health Standards Compliance.

Media Enquiries: Ricardo Mahlakanya | Spokesperson and Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations | Cell: 066 473 8666

1,365 Views

The OHSC Board Concludes its Term, and The New One Assumes its Tenure

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

For Immediate Release


25 February 2026


To All Editors and Health Journalists


THE OHSC BOARD CONCLUDES ITS TERM, AND THE NEW ONE ASSUMES ITS
TENURE


The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) announces new members of the
Accounting Authority following the outgoing Board’s term on 11 February 2026.


During its three-year tenure, the outgoing Board, chaired by Dr Ernest Kenoshi, played a
key role in strengthening the OHSC’s regulatory oversight of public and private health
establishments throughout South Africa.


The outgoing Board’s legacy includes but is not limited to the expansion of inspections to
new health establishment categories, both in public and private health sectors; consistently
and continuously maintaining a clean audit opinion by the Auditor-General of South Africa;
and leading the development of the OHSC 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, which supports
broader health-system reforms. These milestones have positioned the OHSC on a stronger
institutional footing and have reinforced its mandate to safeguard the health and safety of
users of health services.


The OHSC management and staff extend sincere appreciation to the outgoing Board for its
dedicated service, guidance and leadership.

The OHSC welcomes its new Board appointed by the Minister of Health,

Honourable Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, effective from 12 February 2026,

for a three-year term. The Board comprises Dr Reno Lance Morar (Chairperson),

Ms Sizeni Angel Mchunu (Vice Chairperson), Prof Lilian Dudley,

Ms Palesa Santho, Dr Bukhosi Mtukushe, Prof Rajesh Mahabeer,

Dr Geraldine Timothy, Dr Phillip Terrance Carter, Dr Guinevere Lourens,

Mr Simphiwe Daniel Gada and Mr Anele Yawa.


The Board reflects a potent blend of expertise and a commitment to public service. The
Board’s leadership will further strengthen OHSC’s maturity and its delivery of the entity’s
mandate to assure quality and safety.


ENDS.


Issued by the Office of Health Standards Compliance.


Media Enquiries: Ricardo Mahlakanya | Cell: 066 473 866

Media Statement_Appointment of the new Board

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Call for Nominations for Members of The Board of the Office of Health Standards Compliance

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) was established in terms of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act
No. 61 of 2003) (“the Act”) as amended. The OHSC is a Schedule 3A public entity reporting to the Ministry of Health
and is mandated to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by monitoring and
enforcing compliance by health establishments with norms and standards prescribed by the Minister in relation to
the national health system, and ensuring consideration, investigation and disposal of complaints relating to non compliance with prescribed norms and standards in a procedurally fair, economical and expeditious manner.

The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr PA Motsoaledi, invites the public to submit nominations of candidates to be
considered for appointment to the Board of the OHSC for a period of three (3) years, effective from 12 February
2026 to 11 February 2029, as follows:

(a) One (1) member appointed on account of his or her knowledge of the law;
(b) One (1) member appointed on account of his or her knowledge of economics and financial matters or
accounting;
(c) One (1) member appointed on account of his or her knowledge of the private healthcare sector;
(d) One (1) member appointed on account of his or her knowledge of public healthcare and public administration;
(e) One (1) member appointed on account of his or her knowledge of quality assurance;
(f) One (1) representative from organised labour; and
(g) One (1) representative from civil society or the community.

Remuneration: Successful candidates will be remunerated under Category A, sub-category A2 as determined in
terms of the National Treasury’s circular on Service Benefits Packages for Office-Bearers of statutory and other
institutions. Employees of National, Provincial and Local Government, government agencies or entities, appointed
as members on the OHSC Board, are not entitled to additional remuneration, and will not be remunerated for their
service as members of the Board.

Requirements of a valid nomination: Nominations must be made on a nomination form obtainable from the
Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.za under VACANCIES or from the OHSC website at
www.ohsc.org.za. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the nominee should be attached, including certified
copies of academic qualifications and supporting information.

Submission of nominations: Nominations should be addressed to the Director-General, Department of Health,
and marked for the attention of the Director: Public Entities Governance and submitted via email to
nominations@health.gov.za by no later than 16h00 on Friday, 07 NOVEMBER 2025.
Enquiries can be directed to Mr P Tsebe at tel. 012 395 9653.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE OFFICE OF HEALTH

1,635 Views

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.

1,454 Views

Media Statement_Inaugural Health Ombudsman Conference 2025 Highlights Health and Healthcare as a Human Right

Posted on | by Mpho Dikgale

For Immediate Release

10 September 2025

To All Editors and Health Journalists

INAUGURAL HEALTH OMBUDSMAN CONFERENCE 2025 HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE AS A HUMAN RIGHT

Pretoria.

The Health Ombud is set to convene its first-ever conference to be held on 11 and 12
September 2025 at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. This
conference coincides with the commemoration of World Patient Safety Day, which closely aligns
with the Health Ombud’s mandate to safeguard the quality and safety of healthcare services for
all users.

The upcoming biennial conference will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers,
regulators, academics, and members of civil society under the theme “Health and Healthcare as
a Human Right.” The event promises to deliver a high-quality and impactful event, featuring
discussions that will focus on healthcare as a constitutional right. Participants will share insights on
strengthening oversight to create a health system that is accessible, fair, and accountable.

The two-day programme will include a keynote address by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi (MP). It will feature in-depth open dialogue sessions and presentations that focus on
various factors affecting access to safe and quality healthcare services. Additionally, discussions
will cover the contribution of the private healthcare industry and funders towards achieving
universal access to healthcare in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the Health Ombud, Emeritus Professor Taole Mokoena,
emphasised, “This conference serves as a vital platform to reflect on our progress, challenges, and
opportunities in ensuring that healthcare is recognised not as a privilege, but as a fundamental
human right. Our goal is to foster collective commitment to a patient-centred health system that
upholds dignity, fairness, and justice.”

The inaugural conference reaffirms the Health Ombud’s mandate to safeguard the public’s right
to health, promote a safe and ethical healthcare service, and drive continuous improvement in
the quality of care across the healthcare system.

Media are invited to cover the event. For accreditation, please email Ntombizodwa Kobuwe
nkobuwe@ohsc.org.za or visit the Health Ombud or OHSC websites on www.healthombud.org.za
or www.ohsc.org.za for more information.

Ends.

Issued by the Health Ombud.

Media Enquiries:
Ricardo Mahlakanya – Cell: 066 473 8666

Approved_Media Statement_Inaugural Health Ombud Conference 2025

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