Doctors Without Borders raises concern over health workers who may support Operation Dudula

JOHANNESBURG - Doctors Without Borders has raised concerns over reports that some healthcare workers may be supporting Operation Dudula members in removing foreign nationals from hospitals.

The organisation visited several facilities in and around Johannesburg in recent weeks, where these claims were made.

Doctors Without Borders' spokesperson, Jane Rabothata, said a pregnant woman, who was confronted by the group, has shared that she is considering aborting her baby.

This, after being told she wouldn't have access to clinics for the duration of her pregnancy. 

“As she was inside this facility, a man holding a South African ID came in and said, anyone who does not have this better start making their way out and the staff were also again in support of it, they were chanting things like they can go, they don't even pay.”

She said she worries more about pregnant women whose medical needs are more urgent.

“We are talking about someone who has high blood pressure, which poses a risk of seizures. It can lead to other complications, such as damage to the liver and kidneys. It can be harmful to both the mother and child, but she had to leave because members of Operation Dudula were there.” 

Rabothata added that more needs to be done to protect the rights of all people living in South Africa.