OPINION: Struggle for migrant health rights still far from over after landmark judgment

Posted in: Child health, Gauteng, Healthcare system, HIV/AIDS, Latest, NHI, Provinces, Reproductive Health

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 as they explain the build-up to the court proceedings and why this is significant for re-affirming the right to access to healthcare for all in terms of section27 of the Constitution.

OPINION: Struggle for migrant health rights still far from over after landmark judgment

OPINION: Health in 2023 – 13 things to look out for

Posted in: COVID-19, Healthcare system, HIV/AIDS, Latest, Mental Health, Provinces, TB, TB

2023 is set to be another tumultuous year for healthcare services, health policy, and governance in South Africa. We’ve picked 13 things to look out for this year arranged under three broad headings: leadership and governance, policy and legislation, and HIV, TB and the NSP.

OPINION: Health in 2023 – 13 things to look out for

Opinion: Mothers and babies pay the price for medical xenophobia

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Child health, Healthcare system, Latest

Pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children should have free healthcare services, irrespective of nationality and documentation status. It is an entitlement that our law already affords them and one that we will continue to defend writes Thembi Mahlathi and Sibusisiwe Ndlela.

Opinion: Mothers and babies pay the price for medical xenophobia

Open letter: Dear Minister Phaahla, the ‘medical tourist mom’ is little more than a convenient myth.

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla recently announced in Parliament that his department will conduct a study on the treatment of foreign nationals at public health facilities in South Africa. Phaahla singled out foreign nationals (pregnant women) seeking maternity services as the major concern, but the idea of the medical tourist mom is a myth, writes Kholofelo Mphahlele in this open letter.