In a landmark decision the Gauteng High Court recently confirmed the rights of all pregnant and lactating women and children under six to access services for free at all levels of care. This sets a good precedent for migrant health rights. We explain the build-up to the court proceedings and wh.
In a landmark court decision, the Gauteng High Court recently confirmed the rights of all pregnant and lactating women and children under age six to access services for free at all levels of care. The court order sets a good precedent for migrant health rights going forward, writes Mbali Baduza and Kholofelo Mphahlele.
Pregnant women and children younger than six are prioritised when it comes to accessing free healthcare under South Africa’s health legislation. However, those who are undocumented, stateless or seeking asylum are often required to pay ‘exorbitant’ fees for healthcare services at hospitals in G.
The Gauteng public health system is a precious national asset. In addition to providing healthcare to more than 10 million people, it trains a large number of the country’s doctors and specialists. It serves as the training and research platform for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits Univer.