Legal requirements to practice medicine in Namibia Healthcare Economic Seminar - Hotel Thule 18 April 2015 Presentation By: Mr. Chrispin Mafwila Deputy Registrar

Table of Content The Law Minimum requirements for registration as medical practitioner Minimum requirements for registration as specialist Other requirements Three ways in which a practitioner may be allowed to practice in Namibia Challenges Future Plans

The Law… Medical practice is regulated by the Medical and Dental Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004). Section 17 (1) particularly makes registration the prerequisite for practicing medicine. Sub-section (4) of the same section makes practicing without registration an offence and on conviction liable to the prescribed penalties. The prescribed penalties are a fine not exceeding N$20 000 or imprisonment for a period of time not exceeding five years or to both such fine and such imprisonment. Section 59 of the Act allows the Minister of Health, on recommendation of the Council to make regulations relating to the minimum requirements of study for registration as Medical Practitioner and Specialist in Namibia.

…The Law Regulations relating to minimum requirements of study for registration as Medical Practitioner is contained in Government Gazette No 4332 of September 2009. Regulations relating to qualifications that may be registered as specialities are contained in Government Gazette No 4455 of April 2010.

Minimum requirements for registration as medical practitioner… A Bachelors Degree in Medicine and Surgery. The degree must include not less than an academic year of education tuition or training in each domains prescribed in regulation (2) The qualification should have been granted after a full-time study at an educational institution. For a period of not less than five academic years. A pass mark of not less than 50 of the examination marks obtained in the examination or the equivalent 50% in the marking system employed by the educational institution, must be obtained in the examinations in respect of every one of the subjects prescribed in the regulation.

…Minimum requirements for registration as medical practitioner The final three years of professional study for admission to the examination for such qualification must be taken at an educational institution in the country in which the qualification was granted. The applicant must also comply with all prescribed requirements relating to internship as prescribed in Government Gazette No 3783 of February 2007.

Minimum requirements for registration as Specialist For most major specialities, a proof of clinical experience for a period of not less than four years as a holder of a clinical appointment in the speciality, at a department of a training hospital is required. There are specific requirements for specialities such as Public Health and Pathology. The law also provides for recognition of experience gained in certain circumstances which in the opinion of the Council may be recognised as specialist training. Normally if such experience is acquired in a training hospital or other institutions approved by the Council for that purpose.

Other requirements A person seeking registration must submit an application to the Registrar and attach all the prescribed documents The qualification being relied on must be register able as such in the country of origin. A certificate of good standing must be submitted. Applicants must undergo a pre-registration evaluation by the panel of peers appointed by the Council.

Three ways in which a practitioner may be allowed to practice in Namibia By full registration in term of Section 17 of the Act. By conditional registration in term of Section 21 of the Act. By Authorisation in terms of Section 62 of the Act.

Challenges Applicants unable to submit certificate of good standing. Some countries still offer internship for one year. Some countries still offer specialisation for three years. Applicants unable to submit proof of clinical appointment for specialisation. Fully registered practitioners moving into private practice immediately after registration. Some authorised practitioners not meeting requirement for registration or failing the pre-registration evaluation.

Future Plans There is a new Draft Bill in place repealing the 2004 Act. The Bill proposes for the introduction of community service. The Bill proposes for registration of new applicants in categories such as public sector, independent practice, volunteer services, military service. The Bill proposes for provisional and limited registration. Plans to introduce a reception programme in the form of student internship for students trained in countries whose standard of education are not known before they could be allowed to register as medical interns. Plans to introduce pre-registration evaluation for people seeking registration as interns.

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