Foreign Nationals Only Entitled To Emergency Services In Public Health Facilities, Says Dhlomo

Parliament’s health portfolio committee chairperson, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has clarified that non-South Africans are entitled only to emergency medical services at public health facilities, not the full range of health care available to South Africans.

Addressing MPs on Thursday, Dhlomo referenced concerns raised after videos circulated online showing Operation Dudula members preventing foreign nationals from accessing certain clinics and hospitals.

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“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 Tactics Under Scrutiny

Dhlomo stressed that a more structured approach is needed to address the issue, cautioning against Operation Dudula’s controversial practice of turning patients away from health-care facilities.

“The approach of door-stopping people at public health-care facilities is not the right way,” he said, adding that the Department of Health has been in talks with the organisation and other stakeholders.

“These concerns can’t be ignored, but we must find another approach to handle them,” Dhlomo emphasised.

Possible Law Revisions on Immigration and Citizenship

Dhlomo also revealed that discussions have extended to the Department of Home Affairs, with proposals to review or repeal parts of key legislation affecting foreign nationals’ access to health care. The laws under consideration include the:

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South African Citizenship Act

Refugees Act

Identification Act

Immigration Act

“Some of these acts are wide and encompassing. Maybe they should have limitations. It’s not possible for us to have unlimited resources to deal with what is there in the world,” Dhlomo told the committee.

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