Dhlomo cautions Operation Dudula that they may be blocking legitimate citizens from receiving medical care

CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s health committee chairperson, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has cautioned Operation Dudula activists that blocking suspected non-nationals from entering state health facilities could deny legitimate citizens from receiving care.

The anti-migrant group has been demanding that people present South African identity documents before they can enter hospitals and clinics, as strained resources, limited medication and long queues frustrate patients.

But Dhlomo said there were many reasons for people not being in possession of national documents.

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The health committee chairperson said he hopes that engagements with Operation Dudula activists would quell vigilante action witnessed outside state facilities in recent weeks.

He said the country can’t withhold emergency medical care no matter who the person is.

"An absence of a document into a hospital should not allow you to block any individual."

Dhlomo said there were many reasons why citizens may not be in possession of an identification document, such as late birth registration or destroyed documents.

"Give the benefit of doubt that you are blocking someone who is a legitimate citizen of this country."

Dhlomo has appealed to the Department of Health to engage swiftly with the Department of Home Affairs to fast-track a review and repeal of relevant laws that will clarify the rights foreign nationals have to medical care.