Since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law in May 2024, a legal storm has erupted. At least eight different groups have filed court applications to challenge the Act, with many arguing it is unconstitutional. A core argument uniting these legal challenges is that the NHI, rather than expanding healthcare, will lead to fewer…
Tag: Human Rights
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Healthcare Access: SAHRC Takes Legal Action Now
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has escalated its fight against the unlawful denial of medical treatment to foreign and undocumented individuals. They are launching an urgent application in the Durban High Court. The legal action aims to protect access to healthcare and ensure the continued availability of public health facilities. This is amidst ongoing reports of intimidation and…
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SA’s Health System Under Strain Amid 25,000 Vacancies
South Africa’s public health system is under strain. It is buckling under the immense pressure of more than 25,000 critical staff vacancies, shrinking budgets, and a staggering national debt of R24 billion in accruals. An investigation into provincial health departments reveals a sector in crisis. Dwindling resources are colliding with overwhelming patient demand. This forces the postponement of essential medical…
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Public Health Reform: Urgent Changes Needed
The chair of Parliament’s portfolio committee on health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has called for urgent legislative reform. This is to tackle the escalating disruptions at public health facilities by activists from Operation Dudula. The call comes as the group intensifies its campaign to block suspected foreign nationals from accessing healthcare. Dr Dhlomo condemned the group’s actions, which have seen members…
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Court Orders Cancer Treatment to End Backlog
The Gauteng High Court has ordered the provincial Department of Health to immediately tackle the severe oncology backlog, ruling that their appeal cannot delay life-saving treatment for cancer patients. The Gauteng High Court delivered a crucial judgment yesterday, ordering the provincial department of health (GDoH) to enforce a plan to clear its cancer treatment backlog immediately. The court ruled that…
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Lethal Neglect and Deaths in Kimberley Hospital
An explosive investigation by the Health Ombud has uncovered a litany of catastrophic failures and lethal neglect at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital. The hospital staff left patients in dangerously cold conditions without electricity. This lethal neglect led to at least two deaths and caused severe harm to others. Following a complaint from Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in…