The national department of health has taken decisive action by issuing a circular to all health facilities, mandating the provision of free healthcare services to all pregnant women and children under the age of six, regardless of their nationality or status in South Africa.
This directive aligns with the recent order from the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, which instructed the Gauteng department of health to revise its policy requiring foreign nationals to pay for healthcare services. The court ruled that such policies were in conflict with the National Health Act and deemed them invalid, specifically for pregnant, lactating women, and young children. Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national health department, informed Sowetan.
“a circular had been issued to all provincial heads of health departments, notifying them that pregnant, lactating women, and children under six years old, who are not beneficiaries of medical aid schemes and are not in South Africa solely for healthcare purposes, are entitled to receive free healthcare services.”
This significant amendment represents a crucial step forward in achieving universal health coverage, particularly for migrant women who face potential financial burdens due to healthcare expenses.
Read more on the circular for free health services for pregnant foreign nationals
