Access to healthcare for foreign nationals under threat

IN A STRONG response to a rising tide of anti-foreigner sentiment that has erupted in Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, along with the National Department of Health and the South African government, has condemned alarming actions that prevent foreign nationals from accessing essential healthcare services.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

This week, members of Operation Dudula in Gauteng and members of the March and March movement began their campaign of manning the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, in a bid to prevent alleged undocumented foreigners from accessing healthcare.

In an interview with IOL, the spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale, said while the department does not condone illegal migration, the actions of the activist groups are concerning.

“We have noted with concern illegal actions around some parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, in which individuals and organised groups prevent healthcare users, especially illegal migrants from accessing health services,” said Mohale.