Question NW479 to the Minister of Health
06 September 2024 - NW479
Mhlongo, Ms NH to ask the Minister of Health
Whether he and/or his department has taken any steps regarding the findings that Zimbabwean women cross over to the Republic to deliver their babies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the steps taken?
Reply:
It is difficult to ascertain whether or not a foreign national entered the country specifically for healthcare reasons. In most instances pregnant women who are immigrants present themselves at health facilities when they are about to go into labour, resulting in the need for emergency healthcare. Section 27 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, provides that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
Furthermore, the Gauteng High Court issued a court order instructing that all pregnant and lactating mothers and children below the age of six who are not members or beneficiaries of medical aid schemes and who have not come to South Africa for the specific purpose of obtaining healthcare are entitled to free health care services at any public healthcare establishment. This is irrespective of their nationality and documentation status.
END.