BREAKING NEWS : GAUTENG HEALTH MEC CONDEMNS BLOCKING OF ACCESS TO PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
Johannesburg – Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has strongly condemned the blocking of access to public healthcare facilities, following the tragic death of a one-year-old child.
The child’s mother, Malaiwan National Grace Banda, alleged that members of Operation Dudula prevented her from accessing the Alexandra Clinic to seek medical attention for her sick toddler last week.
However, Operation Dudula has denied these allegations, stating that they did not instruct their members to block access to the clinic.
Despite this denial, over the past few weeks, members of Operation Dudula have been barricading the entrances of public healthcare facilities across Johannesburg. Several videos have surfaced showing them turning away individuals they claim are “undocumented” foreign nationals.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and that all individuals, regardless of their nationality or documentation status, are entitled to receive medical attention.
“The blocking of access to public healthcare facilities is unacceptable and inhumane,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko. “We urge law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to ensure that all individuals can access healthcare facilities without fear of intimidation or harassment.”
The Gauteng Department of Health has reassured the public that all healthcare facilities in the province remain open and accessible to everyone, regardless of their nationality or documentation status.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for an end to the intimidation and harassment of foreign nationals seeking medical attention.
