SOGNA warns against unregistered practitioners
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Namibia (SOGNA), a registered professional body representing qualified and registered specialists in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the ethical and professional standards governing the provision and advertisement of medical services in Namibia.SOGNA emphasises that only doctors who are formally registered with the Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA) as specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology are legally and ethically permitted to provide specialist services or to advertise themselves as such. Any unregistered practitioner claiming specialist status acts unethically, contravenes the regulations of the HPCNA, and may endanger patient safety and public trust.
Secretary General of SOGNA David Emvula, expressed concern over the matter: “It has come to the attention of the society that some general practitioners have been advertising and presenting themselves to the public as specialists in this field, which is both misleading and in violation of professional and ethical standards,” he stated.
Members of the public are urged to verify the credentials of any practitioner offering obstetric or gynaecological services by consulting the official register of the HPCNA.
Furthermore, SOGNA reminds all medical practitioners of their obligations under the 2010 HPCNA Ethical Guidelines for Health Professionals and Part 15 of the Health Professions Act, 16 of 2024, which set out the legal and ethical framework governing the advertising of medical services, professional representation, and overall ethical conduct in the medical profession.
For transparency and public awareness, members of the public may request the current list of HPCNA-registered specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology by emailing [email protected]
SOGNA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity, ethical medical practice, and patient safety. Members of the public are encouraged to seek care only from duly registered and recognised specialists.