Private hospitals must admit patients facing life-threatening emergencies for at least 48 hours, regardless of their ability to pay, under a proposed Medical Services Amendment Bill. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told the National Assembly on Thursday that the legislation aligns with constitutional provisions guaranteeing healthcare as a citizen's right. The bill requires private facilities to stabilize emergency patients before transferring them to government hospitals if they cannot afford treatment.
The measure allows the health minister to request that private institutions accept public hospital patients when specialized care proves unavailable at government facilities. All healthcare facilities must treat persons under arrest or detention at state expense or at the individual's election. The permanent secretary gains authority to sanction practitioners and institutions that violate the act through disciplinary complaints or suspension proceedings.
The measure allows the health minister to request that private institutions accept public hospital patients when specialized care proves unavailable at government facilities. All healthcare facilities must treat persons under arrest or detention at state expense or at the individual's election. The permanent secretary gains authority to sanction practitioners and institutions that violate the act through disciplinary complaints or suspension proceedings.
