The Gauteng department of health has admitted it is struggling to trace foreigners who have left the country still owing the department for medical services.
The department is on a mission to recover R4.6bn in outstanding patient fees. Of this total, R2.4bn is owed by individual patients, both South African citizens and foreigners.
The remaining balance consists of outstanding payments from medical aids and intergovernmental debt involving entities such as the Road Accident Fund, the department of justice, the South African Police Service and correctional services.
