The matter follows longstanding concerns regarding the provision of emergency medical services in the province and forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to ensure the realisation of the right of access to healthcare services.

The Commission has previously engaged the Eastern Cape Department of Health on these issues, including through public hearings conducted in 2013, which culminated in a report, Report on access to emergency medical services (EMS), published in 2015. Since the publication of that report, the Commission has consistently engaged the Office of the Premier and successive MECs for Health, with whom the findings and recommendations were discussed, through ongoing correspondence and meetings aimed at addressing the challenges and monitoring progress.

Despite these sustained engagements, little progress has been made in addressing the systemic challenges affecting emergency medical services in the province. Consequently, the Commission has resolved to approach the Court for appropriate relief.

The Commission will continue to utilise its constitutional mandate to promote, protect and monitor the realisation of human rights, including the right of access to healthcare services.

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