By Alicia Mmashakana
The Gauteng health department has announced revised Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) tariffs, which will take effect on 1 April.
The adjustments include a 4.4% increase for all patients receiving treatment at state health facilities and 30% hike for major events that require on-site EMS services in compliance with the South African Special Risks Association Act.
“The GDoH urges all members of the public who are required to pay for services to comply with the revised UPFS as this contributes to the sustaining of services. The department remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to all residents of Gauteng,” department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said on Monday.
The revised fees will apply to all categories of patients, including medical schemes, the Road Accident Fund, Workmen’s Compensation, intergovernmental organs such as the SA Police Service, non-subsidised foreign nationals treated at state health facilities, and subsidised patients except for those who qualify for free services.
Tariff changes require approval from the Gauteng legislature.
These are the categories the department uses to decide on the costs of adjustments:
- H1: Individuals earning less than R70,000 and households earning less than R100,000 annually.
- H2: Individuals earning under R250,000 and households earning under R350,000 annually.
- H3: Individuals and households earning R250,000 or more annually.
The revised fees for individuals in the H1 category who require an ambulance with advanced life support have increased by R10 to R170. Similarly, an H1 patient visiting a specialist at a provincial hospital will pay R95 per visit.
The changes come after the proposed tariffs were announced at the end of February.
Interested parties and stakeholders had until 13 March to submit written comments and representations on the draft regulations.
Treasury Regulations and the Public Finance Management Act require an annual review of non-statutory fees, charges, rates and tariffs that contribute to revenue collection.
The department said the annual adjustment reflected cost-of-living and inflation rates, ensuring the financial sustainability of the healthcare system.
INSIDE POLITICS
