By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Government has condemned the reported incidents where certain groups and communities have blocked foreign nationals from accessing healthcare services at public facilities.
This follows protests that have broken out outside healthcare facilities around Johannesburg, with some insisting that South Africans only get treatment.
Several organisations, including Operation Dudula and March and March, have been involved in blocking migrants and asylum seekers from entering clinics and hospitals.
In one of the ongoing protests at medical facilities, some residents from Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg, have been manning the clinic, blocking any undocumented persons from gaining entry.
It has been almost a week now since the protests started, and many people are saying they will not stop until their voices are heard.
In a statement on Saturday, government called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and continue to work together to build a united and inclusive South Africa.
It said the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), along with other law enforcement agencies, was implementing an operational plan to address the protests.
“While government understands the genuine frustrations of many citizens regarding the pressures on public services, including overburdened clinics and exhausted healthcare workers, members of the public are urged to raise such concerns through lawful and appropriate channels. “
Section 27(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, clearly provides that “everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services”.
“This right is not subject to an individual’s nationality or immigration status. Denying individuals healthcare based on their origin is a violation of our laws and values as a nation.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says more funds are needed to cover healthcare, which includes treating foreign nationals.
“Our budget is overwhelmed, but it does not mean that we can’t service the people when they come,” she said.”Instead, we report to national that if we need more funds, we can get it.”
The Department of Health in collaboration with SAPS is deploying Public Order Police to maintain law and order during the protests at the affected health facilities.
“Law enforcement will continue to apply the zero tolerance approach for lawlessness, with decisive action taken against individuals taking the law into their own hands and intimidating patients at health facilities.”