​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) on Tuesday, 01 July 2025 hosted a successful capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening public safety, improving the quality of emergency medical services (EMS), and reinforcing compliance with EMS regulations. 
The workshop, facilitated by the Department's Quality Assurance Directorate, brought together EMS stakeholders from across the province to discuss the importance of proper licensing and regulatory adherence.
The workshop focused on the critical role of EMS licensing in ensuring that only qualified and well-equipped providers operate within Gauteng. Attendees were guided through the EMS licensing application process, the responsibilities of service providers, and the serious consequences of non-compliance. Key topics included common application errors, how to identify and report illegal or non-compliant EMS providers, effective complaints management, and the distinction between licensed and unlicensed providers and vehicles.
Central to the discussions was the role of the EMS Licensing Inspectorate Authority (LIA), which was established in 2018 under the Office of the Head of Department. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Unit, the LIA is responsible for receiving and processing EMS license applications, conducting physical site inspections, issuing operating licenses, and monitoring compliance among both public and private EMS providers. The LIA works closely with an independent EMS Advisory Committee, which reviews applications and makes formal recommendations to the Head of Department.
The workshop also clarified who must apply for an EMS license. Any individual, organisation, or government entity intending to provide emergency medical services in Gauteng, including aeromedical services, event medical services, volunteer EMS, and EMS offered by educational institutions, must obtain an operating license before rendering services. 
The Department also emphasised the importance of reporting illegal or non-compliant EMS providers. Illegal operators will receive a written notice to cease operations, and continued activity constitutes a criminal offence that will be reported to the South African Police Service. Licensed providers found to be non-compliant will be given 20 working days to address the issues. Failure to comply may result in license suspension or cancellation, and continued operation thereafter is considered illegal.
Legal consequences for operating without a valid EMS license or violating license conditions are severe. According to EMS Regulation 30, offenders may face a fine of up to R500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action for accountability, compliance, and patient-centred service delivery. By equipping EMS providers with essential regulatory knowledge, the GDoH aims to foster a culture of safety, legality, and transparency in emergency medical operations across Gauteng.
For more information, application forms, or to report concerns, the public can contact the LIA via email at EMS.Regulations@gauteng.gov.za or call 011 355 3070.