In South Africa, the right to access health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care services, and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment (South African Human Rights Commission, n.d.). While the country envisions a single health system, both public and private health care providers exist. However, the majority of people rely on public health care facilities, and only a small percentage can afford private medical care. The National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill aims to provide universal access to health care services by establishing a National Health Insurance Fund (South African Government News Agency, 2023).
In South Africa, healthcare professionals have ethical and legal duties outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Here are some key points:
Always act in the patient's best interest or well-being. Treat patients with respect and dignity. Obtain informed consent before any medical intervention. Safeguard patient confidentiality. Involve patients in their healthcare decisions. Be fair and impartial in treatment decisions. Ensure equitable access to healthcare resources. Ethically allocate limited resources. Manage potential conflicts of interest (HPCSA, 2021).
Reference List
HPCSA (2021). HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PRACTICE IN THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS GENERAL ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS BOOKLET 1. [online] Available at: https://www.hpcsa.co.za/Uploads/professional_practice/ethics/Booklet_1_Guidelines_for_Good_Practice_vDec_2021.pdf [Accessed 12 Jun. 2024].
South African Government News Agency (2023). National Health Insurance: All you need to know | SAnews. [online] www.sanews.gov.za. Available at: https://www.sanews.gov.za/features-south-africa/national-health-insurance-all-you-need-know [Accessed 12 Jun. 2024].
South African Human Rights Commission (n.d.). ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE. [online] Available at: https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/FINAL%20Access%20to%20Health%20Care%20Educational%20Booklet.pdf [Accessed 12 Jun. 2024].