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Ways in which impoverished members of the South African community find it difficult to access healthcare services

Ways in which impoverished members of the South African community find it difficult to access healthcare services On this page, we outline the ways that underprivileged South Africans struggle to obtain healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act of 2003.

Background on South African Healthcare Services and Access

No matter how much care a person needs, socioeconomic position and access to services continue to play a key role in determining the type and quality of services they receive in South Africa. The majority of South Africans rely on public health care facilities to exercise their constitutional right to seek health services. Only a small percentage of people can afford private healthcare. According to Statistics South Africa’s 2016 General Household Survey, only 17 out of every 100 South Africans have health insurance, and up to 45 million, or 82 out of every 100 South Africans, are uninsured and mostly reliant on public health care. Since many persons without legal status also rely heavily on the public health system to get medical care, the number of people in South Africa who depend on it is probably far greater.

Accessing healthcare services as set out in the national health act of 2003

A single health system is envisioned for South Africa in both the Constitution and the National Health Act 61 of 2003 (as amended). However, the country also has a variety of private health care service providers in addition to public health care.

• The State uses a means test to determine who qualifies for access to free medical services. In addition, the Minister of Health may from time to time determine who is eligible for basic health care services.
• The right to access health care includes pregnant or lactating women and pregnant women who are eligible for termination of pregnancy services in accordance with the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996.
• In addition, all children are entitled to access basic health care, which right is reinforced by the special protections for the rights of children entrenched in Section 28 of the Constitution.
• The right to health care can however be limited in certain instances, depending on the availability of resources. However, the right cannot be denied completely.

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