Health Dept Admits It’s Overwhelmed But Obligated to Treat Foreign Nationals

The Gauteng Department of Health has acknowledged that it is severely overwhelmed, with migrant healthcare identified as a significant burden on an already stretched system. Despite its budget being fully allocated, resources are not enough to meet the growing demand at public hospitals and clinics.

Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko visited Olivenhoutbosch Clinic on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, following complaints from residents about long queues, medicine shortages, and understaffing.

Migrant Care Legally Guaranteed

Under Section 4(3) of the National Health Act, all individuals in South Africa—regardless of their citizenship or immigration status—are entitled to free basic medical care. This includes maternity services, emergency care, and child health services.

A 2007 national directive also ensures free HIV and TB treatment to undocumented individuals, a policy aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases in the country.

“We’re obligated by law to provide care,” Phaahla said. “As things stand, we just have to be ready.”

Public Health System Buckling

The influx of patients—both South African and foreign nationals—has led to severe pressure on infrastructure and staff. Phaahla warned that the health system is nearing a breaking point, and some planned expansion projects have been delayed due to pending approval of the national budget framework.

“We’ve been discussing at our national health council… are there possibilities of assistance from foreign governments? It’s a problem we are stuck with,” Phaahla added.

Nkomo-Ralehoko echoed the concern, stating that Gauteng is facing high patient volumes without proportional increases in staff, space, or medicine supplies.

Healthcare Under Financial Pressure

The growing cost of public healthcare in South Africa, compounded by rising operational expenses and limited national funding, has sparked concern across multiple provinces. Activists have warned that this could lead to further government medical scheme increases or cuts in service delivery if not addressed with bold policy reform.

Unless additional funding or international partnerships are secured, Gauteng’s healthcare infrastructure will continue to strain under the dual burden of population growth and migrant healthcare obligations.

{Source: EWN}

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