Seventy percent of foreign-trained doctors who took board exams in October 2023 and February 2024 failed. However, around 250 junior doctors have identified discrepancies in their examination scripts. They are now seeking intervention from the Information Regulator to compel the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to release their exam scripts.
Supported by the South African International Trained Health Professionals Association (SAITHPA), the junior doctors are challenging the HPCSA’s handling of the exams. Advocate Rene Govender, representing the association, said they have been trying to access the scripts after realising there was a high failure rate. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) only allowed an hour to view the scripts; discrepancies were noted during this brief period.
Foreign-qualified doctors must pass this exam to practice medicine in South Africa. Previously, Sefako Makgatho University administered these exams. However, the HPCSA signed a new contract with UKZN last year to manage the exams for the next three years.
Limited viewing time
Govender noted that under the previous administration, video and written recordings of the exams were available. She said an application for a complete examination record was made last year after the October exams, but the HPCSA declined, citing UKZN’s copyright over the examination records. The HPCSA now limits the viewing time of records.
Those who viewed their records were dissatisfied and reported discrepancies. The pass rate under Sefako Makgatho University ranged between 60% and 80%. Govender said recently that the HPCSA confirmed they would not release the examination records in the requested format, which is permissible under the legislation.
When asked for comment, UKZN spokesperson Bheki Mbanja directed all queries to the HPCSA. Speaking anonymously, an official from the National Health Department said that some provinces send students to study abroad without ensuring alignment with local requirements.
HPCSAs mandate is to protect the public
HPCSA spokesperson Priscilla Sekhonyana emphasised the council’s mandate to protect the public, saying the council administers the medical board examination to evaluate if foreign-qualified applicants possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence.
Failure to pass may indicate that the quality of training obtained abroad does not meet the required standards set by the medical and dental professions board. Sekhonyana further explained that practitioners with foreign qualifications must submit their curricula for review to ensure they meet South African education and training standards.
The controversy continues as junior doctors and SAITHPA push for transparency and fairness in the evaluation process, calling for a thorough review of the examination practices to ensure accurate and just assessments of all candidates.