These issues include, but are not limited to:

• Shortages of medical supplies: The Commission has observed that there is a chronic shortages of essential medical supplies in the healthcare facilities across the province. The Commission is of the view that such a situation poses a grave risk to the health and well-being of patients.
• Conditions of facilities: Many healthcare facilities monitored by the Commission are facing significant infrastructure challenges, leading to sub-standard conditions for patients and healthcare professionals.
• State of emergency services: The efficiency and effectiveness of emergency services in responding to critical medical situations have been a subject of concern.
• Refusal for emergency medical treatment: There have been reports of patients, particularly those at old age homes and facilities for people living with disabilities, being denied emergency medical treatment, a violation of their basic human rights.
• Staff shortage: The shortage of healthcare professionals and support staff is severely affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. This also contributes to unbearable working conditions for the existing staff.
• Lack of Support: Healthcare personnel have reported a lack of support and resources needed to deliver quality care to patients.

In light of these critical issues, the Commission has requested an engagement with the Northern Cape Department of Health to address these concerns. The objective of this engagement is not only to highlight the problems but also to collaboratively find sustainable solutions that uphold human rights principles and improve the healthcare system in the province.

The engagement will be conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), an independent statutory body established to ensure that both public and private health establishments in South Africa comply with the required health standards.

The engagement is scheduled to take place as follows:

Date      : Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Time     : 09:00 AM to 13:00 PM

Venue   : Sweet Dreams Guesthouse (21 Finis Road, Verwoerdpark), Kimberley

Ends

Prepared by the Northern Cape Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission.

For further information contact Mr. Anthony Wyngaard, Acting Provincial Manager, at Tel: 054 332 3993 / Cell: 074 134 6972; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mr. Buyisile July, Advocacy and Research Consultant at Tel: 054 332 3993 / Cell: 072 949 7578; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.