Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has voiced serious concern over what it describes as the “persistent and systematic” obstruction of non-South Africans from accessing healthcare, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
In recent months, anti-migrant group Operation Dudula has reportedly stationed members at the entrances of public health facilities, demanding identification from patients and denying entry to those they believe are foreign nationals.
Speaking to VOC News, MSF’s Claire Waterhouse said the practice is a direct violation of the country’s Constitution and the National Health Act, both of which guarantee the right to healthcare for all.
“We are seeing people physically blocking entrances to clinics or going inside and removing patients on the basis of their nationality,” Waterhouse explained.
“This is not only happening to undocumented migrants but also to people who have all the correct papers, and, disturbingly, even to South Africans who forgot their ID at home or who, according to these groups, ‘don’t look South African enough.’”
She warned that such actions set a “dangerous precedent” and pose a serious risk to public health.
“It should not matter whether someone is documented or not; healthcare is a fundamental right. Turning people away based on appearance, language, or paperwork undermines public health systems and endangers communities,” Waterhouse stressed.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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