Migrant care is exerting huge pressure on the Gauteng Department of Health and the system is completely overwhelmed, Ministers have admitted, yet public hospitals and clinics have no option but to treat foreign nationals.
After complaints from residents about long queues, medicine stockouts and understaffing, Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko had toured the Olivenhoutbosch Clinic in Centurion on Tuesday.
Despite the department budget being fully allocated, they told EWN that resources are stretched thin, and the system was taking serious strain.
Section 4(3) of the National Health Act guarantees free basic medical care to anyone in need, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
But with patient numbers growing and public facilities under immense pressure, Phaahla admits the system is nearing breaking point.
“We’ve been discussing at our national health council… are there possibilities of assistance from foreign governments? It’s a problem we are stuck with. As things stand, we just have to be ready.”
Phaahla said several expansion projects had been delayed, as the government waits for final approval of the national budget framework.
Without policy reform or additional funding, he added, the health system would continue struggling to cope.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Gauteng clinics still denying treatment for pregnant migrants
NGO takes Health MEC to court for immigrants to access healthcare
Medical xenophobia and discrimination widespread in Gauteng health care