Although many people desire access to free health care in SouthAfrica, this is yet to be fully actualised.
The country’s government rolled out theNational Health InsuranceScheme (NHI), and the free services are limited.
People with NHI coverage can access free primary health care services at government facilities.
A picture of a hospital bed. Photo: unsplash.com, @Martha Dominguez de Gouveia (modified by author)Source: UGC
Is there free health care in South Africa?
South Africa offers limited free health care services.
The importance of free health care in South Africa cannot be overstated.
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Unfortunately, not everyone is enrolled on the scheme.
Only enrolled people can access free primary health care services.
The Department of Health in South Africa needs to conduct more sensitisation about the importance of the NHI scheme.
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South African health care facts
South Africa has the best hospitals and medical infrastructure in southern Africa.
There are over 400 public hospitals in the country.
The government hassubsidised primary healthcare costs in public hospitals and dispensaries.
Two medics conducting a procedure on a patient. Photo: unsplash.com, @Olga GuryanovaSource: UGC
However, many hospitals are underfunded, understaffed, and mismanaged.
Consequently, the quality of care is compromised.
Public facilities serve approximately 80% of the population.
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On the other hand, over 200 private hospitals serve the remaining 20% of the population.
While most offer high-quality services, they are pretty expensive, making them a reserve for moneyed people.
It is estimated that up to 80% ofdoctors workin the private sector, where free healthcare is impossible.
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One of thepressing issuesis understaffing in public hospitals.
Others are poor management and inadequate infrastructure.
Many publicclinics and hospitalsare accessible to citizens and residents, even in rural areas.
Two medics in the radiology department working using computers. Photo: unsplash.com, @AccuraySource: UGC
However, the conditions in these facilities do not favour the provision of quality services.
These services are only accessible at government clinics and hospitals.
The law allows the termination of a pregnancy for any reason up to 12 weeks.
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NHI is still in the process of implementation since 2012.
The phases were to be implemented over 14 years, meaning the project will be running until 2026.
Through the scheme, every South African will access free medical services in any of the NHI-accredited facilities.
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Even so, below are the possiblemerits of freemedical care.
How does free health care alleviate poverty in South Africa?
It alleviates poverty by ensuring all individuals and communities receive the medical services they need without experiencing financial hardship.
It also ensures the workforce is healthy, thus enhancing their productivity.
There is a provision for free abo*tions too.
Is there free mental health care in South Africa?
Mental health care is not free in private and public facilities.
However, the country has multiple organisations and private practices offering free counselling and therapy to citizens and residents.
Are South African public hospitals free?
No, they are not, unless specified in the nation’s law.
However, most services are heavily subsidised by the government.
Is free health care actually free?
Free healthcare is not actually free.
Is primary health care free in South Africa?
Private facilities do not offer free services.
Although some key milestones, including rolling out NHI, have been marked, much more is still desired.
READ ALSO:What is the biggest hospital in South Africa 2022?
Top 10 list (with images)
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of thebiggest hospitalsin South Africa.
The country has numerous public and private clinics, dispensaries, and hospitals.
South Africa is home to some of the best medical facilities in Africa.
It also boasts of having some of the best medical practitioners on the continent.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you’re free to email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
