HPCSA places lifetime ban on serial sex offender, Dr Gregory Hough. Image: News24.
(The Post News)- The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has imposed a lifetime ban on Dr. Gregory Hough, an endocrinologist, following multiple complaints of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. This decision removes Hough’s name from the medical register, effectively ending his career as a doctor in South Africa.
The ruling, which follows years of patient complaints, public protests, and petitions, was made after a thorough investigation into Dr. Hough’s actions. His professional conduct first came under scrutiny in 2020 when multiple former patients accused him of inappropriate physical contact during consultations. Reports indicate that these accusations were serious enough to trigger a disciplinary inquiry.
HPCSA Previously Suspended Hough
In 2021, the HPCSA found Hough guilty on five counts of unprofessional conduct, resulting in an 18-month suspension. However, activists and some members of the public felt that the suspension was insufficient, arguing that a doctor found guilty of sexual misconduct should be permanently barred from treating patients.
In their ruling, the HPCSA points out the importance of patient safety, stating, “The best interests of patients and the public must come first.” As the legal battle continues, the HPCSA’s decision is viewed as a step toward restoring trust in the medical profession, ensuring that it remains a place of care and respect for all patients.
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