[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. Summary should be in bold and 250-300 characters. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE THE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201ca 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n