Health and medical services

The Government's Promise

The Minister of Health committed to FIFA that the infrastructure of the South African National Health System, specifically a comprehensive medical service (including 24-hour emergency medical treatment) and disaster management would be put at the disposal of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in the cities where the games will be played.

As part of this guarantee, government committed that “the existing health infrastructure will be significantly upgraded in keeping with the Government’s
mission to promote the health of all people of South Africa, and to provide caring and effective services”.

During the World Cup, the National Health Operations Centre (Nathoc) will link to all nine provinces, ensuring real-time monitoring, collating and reporting on the roll-out of the health plan, as well as the occurrence of any incidents. Sophisticated ICT systems, including an online system for all official
venues and radio linkages, will be the backbone of Nathoc.

Free primary healthcare (PHC) will be provided for all spectators at official venues, including a script or referral to a health facility if necessary. However, any investigations, procedures or admissions will be paid by the patient.

Dispensing machines will be situated throughout the stadiums for basic drug purchases. Twenty-four-hour pharmacies will be in place for the duration of the event.

The Department of Health was involved in the planning of new stadiums and the refurbishment of existing ones to ensure they meet the health and medical services requirements. All stadiums will have fully equipped medical centres, medical PHC posts, as well as roving health personnel within the stadium and stadium precinct. Such provisions will also be in place in fan parks and other official World Cup-related venues as required.

The environmental health of venues will be assured, including stadiums, hotels, official venues and fan parks. This will include food standards, sufficient and safe water, sanitation and waste management.

Compliance with legislation and local and international health regulations by visitors entering the country will be controlled at all ports of entry, both by air, land and sea.

In addition to surveillance measures for local disease outbreaks, there is also an international surveillance system, given the numerous origins of the many thousands of visitors that South Africa can expect.

Licensing of medical personnel
Government has made special provisions for the licensing of foreign- qualified medical and allied health professionals, and exemption for certain medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to be brought into the country – so players can be kept at their peak during the World Cup.

Contingency planning
Contingency planning is undertaken in conjunction with the South African Police Service, National Intelligence Agency, and fire and disaster-management services. Resources to deal with contingencies will be deployed at strategic positions for the duration of all matches, as well as any site that may be considered necessary.

Health promotion
Government will communicate with visitors to keep them informed of health requirements and conditions, to encourage visitors to act responsibly and to stay healthy.