Controversial medical practice law goes

The legislation that requires doctors and healthcare workers to get permission to work in private practice in a chosen suburb or locality will be withdrawn.

In November last year President Jacob Zuma signed into law sections of the National Health Act that required doctors, dieticians and physiotherapists to apply for a certificate of need. Without a certificate owning a practice is illegal.

The Department of Health told the SA Medical Association yesterday it would withdraw the law on the advice of the state attorney.

The association's spokesman, Mzukisi Grootboom, said: "There is, however, no indication of when the withdrawal will take place.

"We are hopeful that this will be done as soon as possible."