Have your say on public health fees
Residents have until March 22 to comment on proposed public healthcare tariff revisions.
The Gauteng Department of Health is calling on residents across the province, including communities on the West Rand, to review and comment on proposed tariff adjustments for public healthcare services.
In a statement issued by the department this week, they proposed changes to the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS), the framework used by public health facilities to determine the fees payable by patients. The UPFS applies a means test to ensure that fees are charged according to a patient’s financial category, with provision made to keep healthcare accessible for indigent and vulnerable patients.
The proposed tariff adjustments form part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that patient fees better reflect the cost of services, while maintaining affordability for those who rely on the public health system.
The draft tariffs were published in Gauteng Provincial Gazette No. 064 (General Notice 137 of 2026) on February 20.
Importantly, the department emphasised that this is a call for public comment and does not signal the immediate implementation of new tariffs. Current fees remain in place until the public consultation process has been concluded and all necessary approvals have been finalised.
Residents, healthcare users, civil society organisations and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to access the Gazette free of charge online through the Government Printing Works (GPW) eGazette platform at www.gpwonline.co.za by searching for Gauteng Provincial Gazette No 064 dated February 20.
Written submissions must clearly reference “General Notice 137 of 2026 – Draft Revision of UPFS Tariffs” and include the full name of the individual or organisation submitting comments, along with contact details. Comments must be sent to the email or postal address provided in the Gazette notice.
All submissions must be received within 30 days of publication, no later than March 22.
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The department reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful public participation in matters affecting healthcare services throughout Gauteng, including communities on the West Rand.
