Non-South Africans are only entitled to emergency medical care at public health institutions, not the full range of comprehensive health care that South Africans receive, the head of the parliament’s health portfolio committee said.
After recordings of Operation Dudula members renouncing foreigners from clinics and certain hospitals went viral on social media, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo spoke to committee members on Thursday.
“When we look at the preamble of our constitution, it talks about South Africa belonging to all who live in it. That part is important and ought to be respected. But the conclusion from the National Health Insurance public hearings was that the country should provide emergency services to all — that is binding in terms of UN rules. Comprehensive health care is for South Africans,” he said.
Operation Dudula’s strategy of door-stopping people at public health institutions is incorrect, according to Dhlomo, and a more efficient approach is required to address the issue.
According to him, the organization and other stakeholders have been interacting with the health department in recent weeks. “These issues cannot be disregarded, but we need to address them differently.”
He attested that the home affairs department has been involved in talks regarding plans to examine and maybe repeal portions of important laws, including the:
- South African Citizenship Act;
- Refugees Act;
- Identification Act; and
- Immigration Act.
“Some of these acts are wide and encompassing. Maybe they should have limitations. We can’t have unlimited resources to deal with what is there in the world,” Dhlomo told the committee.
Hi, I’m Owen. I’m passionate about sharing the latest government aid news, benefits, and policy updates so you can stay informed and make the most of available resources. My goal is to break down complex information into clear, easy-to-understand updates that help you navigate programs and opportunities that matter to you.