eThekwini Municipality sets the record straight over ID requirement notice at health facilities
eThekwini Municipality addresses healthcare access concerns for individuals without IDs.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
The eThekwini Municipality has set the record straight regarding a notice urging those seeking healthcare to present their Identity books or cards at medical facilities.
According to the City, the requirement for an ID applies only to first-time patients, who must present identification for the purpose of opening a medical file.
Once registered, individuals are no longer required to bring an ID for subsequent visits.
The clarification, comes in the wake of claims that groups of foreign nationals have been obstructed from receiving medical treatment at some state-owned facilities.
IOL reported that members of Operation Dudula, as well as members of the March and March movement, recently guarded the gates of government clinics and hospitals, including Addington Hospital, Gateway Clinic, and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has condemned the actions of attempting to stop certain individuals from getting help at health institutions.
"The SAHRC reminds the public and all relevant stakeholders that the right to access to healthcare services in South Africa is a universal right afforded to anyone within the Republic of South Africa," the commission said.
However, ActionSA hit back at the SAHRC. "It is unconscionable that a public clinic in Johannesburg can report that over 70% of its patient records belong to foreign nationals. No South African can enter another country legally without proof of medical insurance, yet here we are expected to carry this burden indefinitely
The eThekwini Municipality went on to say that as part of standard procedure, patients visiting any municipal clinic for the first time are asked to bring their IDs solely for the purpose of opening a patient file. "Once a file has been opened, patients are not required to bring their ID for future visits," the statement explained."
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