Consumer help: medical aid and health
Got a problem with your medical scheme, hospital, doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist or optometrist? Here's where to go for advice and complaints - including how to find your nearest private hospital or trauma centre, or get information on treatment costs and scale of benefits.
Council of Medical Schemes
A body established by government to protect the interests of the public and members of medical schemes. Their web site has a "complaints zone" where a complaint can be both filed and tracked online. Before submitting a complaint, you must first follow your medical scheme's internal complaints procedure.
Health Professions Council of South Africa
A statutory body that sets and maintains standards for health care in the country. Every health professional must be registered with the Council, which has the power to institute a disciplinary inquiry into any complaint of unprofessional conduct by any of its members.
Note that the Council does not handle complaints against hospitals - see hospital complaints below.
Hospital complaints
Complaints against public hospitals should be made to the Department of Health.
- Tel: (012) 312 000
- Fax: (012) 326 4395
Complaints against private hospitals should be lodged with the Hospital Association of South Africa.
The Hospital Association of South Africa
A self-regulatory body which investigates complaints against its members. On the web site you can find your nearest private hospital or trauma centre and get information on costs and financing of treatment, scale of benefits - and lodging a complaint (click on "public pages").
South African Medical AssociationSouth African Nursing Council
An independent statutory body that sets and maintains nursing standards in South Africa, and investigates complaints of unprofessional conduct by nurses.
Dental Ombudsman
For complaints and questions about treatments or charges.
- Toll-free tel: 0800 113 334
South African Dental Association
South African Optometric Association
Will assist with complaints against optometrists who are members of the Association. Their web site offers a range of other useful services and information.
South African Pharmacy Council
SAinfo reporter
South Africans – getting shoddy service? Bought a faulty product? Want to complain about a company, government department, dentist, bank, estate agent? Unsure of your rights as a consumer? Help is at hand:
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