Basson turns to court to halt HPCSA proceedings

DR WOUTER Basson, infamously known as “Dr Death” for his role as the head of a top-secret chemical and biological warfare programme during apartheid, has turned to court to try and stop disciplinary action being taken against him by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

- NICOLA DANIELS [e-mail]

This came to light following a parliamentary question by the EFF who have since called for Basson’s suspension.

In 2013, Basson was found guilty of unprofessional conduct relating to his involvement in the chemical and biological warfare programme. His sentencing proceedings commenced in January 2015.

EFF MP Carl Niehaus recently questioned Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi about why the HPCSA had not prioritised reinstating disciplinary proceedings against Basson, despite being convicted of serious professional misconduct in 2013 and facing a recommendation to have his medical licence revoked. Niehaus pointed out that Basson continues to practise as a cardiologist at Mediclinic Durbanville and Mediclinic Panorama in Cape Town, and asked why the HPCSA has allowed him to do so for the past six years without further action.