A medical doctor from Madagascar, Dr. Jeremy Manuel, is reportedly working at Maluti Adventist Hospital without a license from the Lesotho Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Council (LMDPC), according to sources close to the institution.
Allegations suggest that Dr. Manuel has been allowed to work at the hospital without the required documentation because he is a member of the Adventist Church.
Sources revealed that despite lacking a license from the LMDPC, Dr. Manuel has been attending to patients and performing critical medical procedures, including cesarean sections in the maternity ward.
“This is really the hospital’s negligence, and they are putting the lives of Basotho at risk by allowing this behaviour,” one source said.
Further investigation by this paper established that Dr. Manuel is not only practising as a doctor but also reportedly holds the position of Chief Medical Officer, a role that, according to insiders, requires verified academic and professional qualifications.
It is understood that Dr. Manuel applied for registration with the LMDPC about a year ago, but his application was rejected after he failed to meet the council’s requirements to practice medicine in Lesotho.
The LMDPC’s registration requirements for international practitioners include an EPIC report from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a letter of employment or job offer in Lesotho, a good standing letter and practicing license from the applicant’s home country, a passport, academic certificates and transcripts, and the required registration fee.
When contacted for comment, Dr. Kopang Mohalenyane, Vice President of the LMDPC, confirmed that Dr. Manuel had previously attempted to register but was unsuccessful.
“After he was unsuccessful, his issue was discussed, and both he and the hospital were advised that he could apply as a general practitioner, which would require him to be tested and evaluated based on his work experience. However, he did not pursue this option,” Dr. Mohalenyane explained.
He added that after realising Dr. Manuel had not registered, the council inquired with the hospital, which informed them that the doctor had returned to Madagascar.
“We even visited the hospital to confirm his departure and did not find him there, so we believed he had left. But we are now surprised to learn he is still in the country and practicing,” he said.
Dr. Mohalenyane stated that the Medical Council will investigate the matter, saying: “If these claims are true, both the doctor and the hospital will be held accountable and face legal consequences.”
He further indicated that if the allegations are confirmed, the council plans to take legal action, which could include fines, imprisonment, or both, but emphasised that their priority is to have Dr. Manuel removed from the country.
“We are here to protect the lives of Basotho, and we won’t allow anyone to do as they please,” he declared.
He also noted that during a recent council visit, hospital staff denied that Dr. Manuel was the Chief Medical Officer, claiming the role was held by another locally registered doctor.
However, as of Wednesday, the hospital’s official website listed Dr. Manuel as the Chief Medical Officer. When this reporter revisited the site yesterday, his name had been removed from the position.
Dr. Mohalenyane further revealed that the hospital has a history of employing unlicensed medical personnel, a practice that was previously more common even in government facilities.
“The council has since increased oversight, and such practices have decreased. Still, we will continue to safeguard the lives of Basotho,” he said.
Maluti Adventist Hospital CEO, Thabang Pulumo, acknowledged that Dr. Manuel is indeed working at the hospital, both in management and as a doctor under supervision.
He confirmed that Dr. Manuel is not registered with the LMDPC but said the hospital has been working to address the issue.
“Since the situation remains unresolved, a decision has been made to send him back to the church headquarters, where he will stay until his issues are sorted out with the council, after which he may return,” Pulumo said.
He explained that the difficulty with Dr. Manuel’s registration stems from differences in medical training standards, especially concerning his specialty as a general surgeon, which the council does not currently recognise.
Pulumo added that Dr. Manuel was placed at the hospital by the church on a two-year contract, but is now returning to the church’s headquarters.
“Currently, he is still in the country, finalising a few matters before he leaves,” he said.
Summary
- The LMDPC’s registration requirements for international practitioners include an EPIC report from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a letter of employment or job offer in Lesotho, a good standing letter and practicing license from the applicant’s home country, a passport, academic certificates and transcripts, and the required registration fee.
- “After he was unsuccessful, his issue was discussed, and both he and the hospital were advised that he could apply as a general practitioner, which would require him to be tested and evaluated based on his work experience.
- “Since the situation remains unresolved, a decision has been made to send him back to the church headquarters, where he will stay until his issues are sorted out with the council, after which he may return,” Pulumo said.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
