The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is sounding the alarm on a disturbing trend: hospitals turning away patients based on their nationality or immigration status. The Commission is having none of it, reminding healthcare providers that the Constitution guarantees access to healthcare services for EVERYONE – citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and even those without documentation.

The SAHRC is crystal clear: emergency medical care must be provided to all, without exception. No ifs, no buts. This means that hospitals and clinics cannot turn away patients in need, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

The Commission is also cracking down on vigilante-style groups that think they can police hospital entrances and bar patients they deem “foreign”. Newsflash: only the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS have the authority to enforce immigration laws.

The SAHRC is urging health professionals to remember their oath: to treat all patients with dignity and fairness, regardless of nationality or legal standing. No crisis – not even chronic staff shortages or overcrowding – can justify discrimination or denial of care.

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