Health department condemns hospital blockades
MMC Tshegofatso Mashabela says protestors should direct their grievances to the relevant departments.
The metro’s Health MMC, Tshegofatso Mashabela recently condemned a spate of unauthorised protests outside hospitals in the west of Pretoria.
According to the MMC, these protests are orchestrated to deny foreign nationals entry to healthcare facilities, an act she describes as “inhumane”.
“Let me be unequivocally clear, this behaviour is intolerable, unjust and a blatant violation of human rights. Healthcare is a fundamental human right that must be accessible to all individuals without discrimination or barriers,” Mashabela said.
“As per our laws and ethical principles, we are duty-bound to provide medical care to anyone who seeks our assistance, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. To deny someone medical care based on their nationality is not only unlawful but goes against the very essence of compassion and humanity that should underpin our healthcare system,” she said.
Mashabela cautioned residents who chose to engage in these unauthorised protests that they would be punished to the fullest extent of the law should they continue unlawfully restricting people wishing to receive healthcare.
She also advised protestors to rather take their grievances to the relevant department instead of compromising life-saving measures for others.
“If you wish to address issues related to immigration status, you must do so through the appropriate legal channels and government authorities, such as the Department of Home Affairs,” she urged.
“Our healthcare facilities are not the venue for enforcing immigration policies or discriminating against individuals based on their nationality. I urge all individuals to respect the sanctity of our clinics as safe spaces where every person, regardless of their background can seek medical help without fear or discrimination,” she said.
The department said it is committed to upholding the values and oaths associated with healthcare and vows never to waiver in the quality of care that individuals in need receive.
“To those perpetuating these unlawful actions, know that your behaviour will not be tolerated and the law will be enforced swiftly and decisively. Let this serve as a stern warning: any further attempts to disrupt our healthcare services or discriminate against individuals seeking care will be met with the full force of legal consequences,” Mashabela warned.
The department said it aims to ensure that all its healthcare facilities remain beacons of care, compassion and unity.
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