The Gauteng health department has announced revised uniform patient fee schedule tariffs, which will come into effect on April 1.
These adjustments include a 4.4% increase in fees across all categories of patients and a 30% hike in emergency health services standby tariffs for major events.
Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the revised tariffs apply to all patients using state health services, including those covered by medical schemes, the Road Accident Fund, Workman’s Compensation, and government institutions such as the South African Police Service.
He explained that under the new structure, an H1 category patient, who is someone earning under R70 000 annually, will now pay R170 for an ambulance with advanced support. This is an increase from R160.
Other income-based patient categories include H2, which are individuals earning less than R250 000 annually and households with income below R350 000; and H3, which are individuals and households earning R250 000 or more per annum.
Specialist consultations at provincial hospitals for H1 patients will now cost R95 per visit.
Standardised fee structure
“The UPFS [uniform patient fee schedule] billing system ensures a standardised and transparent fee structure for public hospitals, hospital mortuaries, and ambulance services,” said Modiba.
“This annual adjustment aligns with cost-of-living increases and inflation rates, ensuring the financial sustainability of the healthcare system.
“The implementation of the revised tariffs is in accordance with Treasury Regulations 7.3.1 and the Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 1999, which mandate the annual review of fees, charges, rates, and tariffs not fixed by law but contributing to revenue collection.”
He explained that these changes were first gazetted at the end of February and were open for public written comment regarding patient fees until March 13.
The Gauteng legislature should still approve the final implementation.
“The health department urges all members of the public who are required to pay for services to comply with the revised uniform patient fee schedule as this contributes to the sustaining of services.”
