HPCSA ELATED AT GUILTY FINDING OF DR WOUTER BASSON
18 December 2013
Pretoria - The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is elated at the verdict of the Professional Conduct Committee, who found Dr Wouter Basson guilty of unprofessional conduct during his time as Head of Project Coast.
"As the custodian of ethics in healthcare, we are delighted at the Committee's decision. This is a watershed moment, not only for practitioners in the South African healthcare industry, but the outcome is also of critical interest to international publics," Dr Buyiswa Mjamba-Matshoba, Registrar and CEO of the HPCSA said.
This decision recognizes the Council's legal mandate as a statutory body to protect the public by investigating unethical and/or unprofessional conduct of healthcare practitioners.
Chairperson of the Professional Conduct Inquiry, Prof Jannie Hugo said Dr Basson contravened international protocols and conventions. "He confused ethics of a doctor with that of a soldier while discharging his duties. A doctor cannot rely on military orders to escape the consequences of his duties."
Prof Hugo quoted from the Physician's Oath, stating that practitioners "will maintain the utmost respect for human life from time of conception, even under threat"; "I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity."
In addition, the Chairperson quoted from the World Medical Association's (WMA) Regulations in Time of Armed Conflict, stating that "medical ethics in time of armed conflict is identical to medical ethics in time of peace." Furthermore "the primary obligation of the physician is his professional duty; the physician's supreme guide is his conscience."
"Primary task of the medical profession is to preserve health and safe life."
The Committee furthermore touched on the WMA's declaration concerning Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in relation to Detention and Imprisonment that states: The doctor shall not countenance, condone or participate in the practice of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading procedures, whatever the offence of which the victim of such procedure is suspected, accused or guilty, and whatever the victim's belief or motives, and in all situations including armed conflict and civil strife.
The doctor shall not provide any premises, instruments, substances or knowledge to facilitate the practice of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or to diminish the ability of the victim to resist such treatment.
The Council has been adamant and steadfast that Dr Basson had a case to answer on the charges against him.
Dr Mjamba-Matshoba concluded by saying "we are pleased that this matter has finally come to an end, finally closing the book on this dark side of our history."
Sentencing will now be given on 20 & 21 February 2014.
About the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory body and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the professions. The mission of the HPCSA is quality healthcare standards for all.
The Council is mandated to regulate the health professions in the country in aspects pertaining to registration, education and training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing Professional Development (CPD), and fostering compliance with healthcare standards.
In order to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, registration in terms of the Act is a prerequisite for practising any of the health professions with which Council is concerned.
Statement issued by Bertha Peters-Scheepers, Senior Manager: Public Relations and Service Delivery Health Professions Council of South Africa, December 18 2013
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