UKZN Secures Tender to Administer HPCSA Medical Board Exams

UKZN Secures Tender to Administer HPCSA Medical Board Exams

UKZN’s College of Health Sciences has been appointed to administer the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Medical Board Examinations – a significant indicator of the high regard the College and the University are held in by the council.

The HPCSA is a regulatory body overseeing health professions in South Africa, including the crucial assessment of medical practitioners through the Medical Board Examinations.

Primarily taken by South African citizens who have undergone training abroad, the Medical Board Examinations serve as a rigorous evaluation to ensure that Medical graduates possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and competency to provide safe and effective medical care. The examinations cover diverse aspects of medical practice, ranging from clinical knowledge and skills to ethical considerations.

In addition to South African citizens trained abroad, recent Medical graduates who have completed their degrees and internships in South Africa also undertake the examinations which are an essential step for individuals seeking full registration as Medical practitioners, granting them legal authority to practise Medicine in the country.

As a statutory body established under the Health Professions Act, the HPCSA is committed to safeguarding the public and providing guidance to health professions. The recent examination, held on October 25 this year, served as a crucial gateway for Medical professionals aspiring to practise in South Africa.

UKZN will administer these exams for doctors who underwent training outside South African universities but wish to pursue a medical career within the country. A total of 218 applicants participated in the theory examinations, and successful candidates are set to proceed to the practical phase in December this year.

The HPCSA has expressed confidence in UKZN’s capability to efficiently and professionally manage the exams. UKZN is committed to ensuring that candidates seeking registration are not only safe but also competent and skilled to practise Medicine in South Africa. To enhance coordination and eliminate past delays, a steering committee will be established, and the Department of Family Medicine, drawing expertise from various academic disciplines, will play a central role in coordinating the exams.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of UKZN’s College of Health Sciences Professor Busisiwe Ncama, congratulated the team led by Professor Bernhard Gaede and Dr Selvandran Rangiah for their leadership in spearheading the administration of the examinations. This collaboration signifies a commitment to maintaining high standards in Medical education and ensuring the competence of future healthcare professionals practising in South Africa.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied