Health Minister Confronts operation Dudula Over Blocking Healthcare Access to Foreign Nationals
PRETORIA – South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has defended the right to healthcare for all, irrespective of documentation status, following a meeting with members of the anti-migrant group Operation Dudula. The group has been actively preventing undocumented foreign nationals from receiving medical care at public clinics and hospitals, citing strain on the healthcare system.
The Tuesday meeting centered on Operation Dudula’s actions and the legal and ethical implications of denying care. Motsoaledi explained to the group the fundamental principles of healthcare provision, stating, “in health, we treat everybody who enters who is sick, and they can’t expect us to chase people away, regardless of their nationality. it is just not allowed in healthcare.”
Operation Dudula reportedly suggested that clinic and hospital clerks should be responsible for verifying documentation, arguing they are not bound by the same ethical oaths as doctors and nurses. Motsoaledi dismissed this proposal, warning of potential legal repercussions. “If we instruct the clerks not to give anybody a file and they go out and die, we are going to be sued. Imagine a pregnant woman who enters a hospital, is refused care, and goes out to deliver a baby in the street.”
The Minister further highlighted the widespread issue of incomplete civil registration across the African continent, noting that Egypt is the most advanced nation in registering it’s citizens. In South africa, approximately 11% of the population – roughly 6-million people – lack official documentation, but are nonetheless citizens. He cautioned that a strict identification requirement at healthcare facilities would disproportionately harm these South africans. “If you continue to do it the way you are doing it,you are going to turn away many South Africans who are legitimate but do not have documents,” he said,recounting encounters with South Africans aged 64 and 65 who have never possessed official identification.
Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of resolving issues through legal channels, stating, “I advised them that problems are solved through the law. We can’t have the law of the jungle.” He indicated the meeting concluded without a definitive resolution.
