Patients divided over new identity checks in hospital

IOL News

01-08-2025

Members of the March and March Movement checked people's identity documents and appointment cards outside the Addington Hospital.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers
THERE has been a mixed reaction to March and March requests to see patient identity documents and appointment cards aimed at preventing foreign nationals from using public health facilities.
Last Friday, the POST spoke to patients outside the Addington Hospital, some of whom described it as 'time-wasting' and 'inhumane', while others were pleased not having to wait for a long period of time.
- A mother of a six-year-old said: 'Earlier this month, my daughter underwent an emergency operation after her appendix ruptured. She was hospitalised and we had to wait in long lines every day to get into the hospital because people had to produce their identity documents or appointment cards. During visiting hours, my husband had to wait for about 20 minutes before he could enter.
'It is a waste of time and is wrong. Nobody should be denied care or medication. It should not matter if you are South African or from another country. We are all humans. They should stop what they are doing. I brought my daughter for a check-up and we had to wait again. It is not right."
- Another patient, 44, said: 'It is sad as not everyone can afford private care. If foreign nationals could afford to go to private hospitals they would. Nobody wants to wait in long queues. If I could afford medical aid, I would not be here. I think this is unnecessary and should be stopped.'
- A 75-year-old woman, who was accompanied by her caregiver, a Zimbabwean, said she was 'appalled'.
'I asked them why they are doing this, only to be told they don't want foreigners in the hospital. I told them they had no right to do that, but I was told that if I did not like it, I must go elsewhere. Who gave them the authority to decide who can use the hospital? My caregiver has been with me for 10 years and lived in South Africa for almost 20 years. She is legally in South Africa, and should not have been treated like a criminal.'
- A 77-year-old woman, who arrived to collect her medication for diabetes and hypertension, said she was pleased.
'I come to the hospital every month and this is the first time I did not sit the entire day. I came in at 7am and was done by 10am. I think it is a great thing they are doing for us.'
- A 60-year-old man, who had a doctor's appointment, said: 'I had a stroke and sitting in the hospital for a long time can be tiring, but within two hours I was done. It also only took 30 minutes to collect my medication. I feel this should have been done a long time ago.'
- A 54-year-old woman, originally from Congo, was turned away at the entrance. She said she was concerned as she was supposed to collect her medication for hypertension.
The woman said she had been living in South Africa for 19 years.
'I showed them my documents and said I needed my medication, but they did not care. I have been coming to the hospital for 14 years and had no problems. I am worried as I only have a few tablets left. What am I going to do when it is finished? I cannot buy this medication over the counter.'
- A 26-year-old woman, originally from Somalia, said she was concerned as she was eight-months pregnant.
'I was supposed to have my final check-up before I give birth next month. I pleaded with them, but they told me I was not South African, so I must have my baby in a private hospital. I stood outside the hospital hoping they would have some mercy, but they did not care.'