A Khayelitsha GP can continue treating patients – for now – after a Western Cape High Court judge suspended a six-month suspension imposed on her by the Professional Board for Medical & Dental Professions (PBMDP) professional conduct committee.

A Cape Argus report notes that Judge Elizabeth Baartman suspended the penalty imposed by the committee pending finalisation of a pending internal appeal proceedings and reconsideration of the six months’ suspension that has been imposed.

Dr Vuyelwa Nongogo who had been charged with 11 counts of unprofessional conduct at the PBMDP, which falls under the Health Professions Council.

She has already served half of the period of suspension.

An urgent application Nongogo brought to the High Court noted that on 17 February 2021, she was legally represented when she appeared at a pretrial hearing.

The matter was then struck off the roll and re-enrolled, but on 1 December 2021, her lawyer informed the disciplinary panel that Nongogo had been booked off sick.

The matter was postponed to 5 April 2022, when her lawyer presented a second medical certificate showing she had flu.

The committee agreed to postpone the matter to 22 and 23 June. However, on 22 June, Nongogo requested a postponement.

The committee refused the application and proceeded in her absence.

On 14 July, Nongogo was told she had been convicted on six of the 11 counts and sentenced to six months’ suspension.

Full Cape Argus report