​Interested and affected persons and stakeholders have until the 29th of March 2024 to submit written comments and representations on the draft regulations relating to uniform patient fees payable in the new financial year for ambulance, mortuary and hospital services as part of the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS). 

The fees/tariffs have since been reviewed by an upward adjustment of 4,9% for the 2024/25 financial year. This is in line with the nationally determined increase which is applicable in all provinces. It represents a minimal increase and in some instances the fees remain the same. 

The new tariffs will only come into effect once all inputs have been factored in and approval has been given by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. 

The revised fees will be applicable to all categories of patients, medical schemes, Road Accident Fund, Workman's Compensation, intergovernmental organs such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), non-subsidised categories of foreign nationals treated at State Health Facilities and differentiated amenities and all subsidised patients within the following categories except for those categories that are exempted or qualify for free services: 

• H1 – individuals with an income of less than R70 000 per annum and households with an income less than R100 000 per annum. 

• H2 – Individuals with an income less than R250 000 per annum and households with an income less than R350 000 per annum. 

• H3 – Individuals with an income greater than or equals to R250 000 per annum and household with an income greater than or equals to R350 000 per annum. 

In terms of the revised fees, an individual under H1 category who calls an ambulance requiring advanced life support will be charged R160.00 which is R5 more than what they are currently paying. The same H1 category patient who accesses services at a provincial hospital and consults a specialist practitioner will be charged R95 per visit compared to R90 currently. 

The Uniform Patient Fee Schedule billing system ensures a simplified charging mechanism for public hospitals, hospital mortuaries and ambulance services, and it provides a transparent and consistent fee structure for the treatment of patients, both as in-patients and out-patients. This adjustment is in line with the annual review process and takes into account the cost-of-living adjustments and the inflation rate. 

In addition, the annual review of the fees/tariffs is conducted in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulations 7.3.1 and the Public Finance Management Act No.1 of 1999. These regulations mandate the accounting officer of an institution to review all fees, charges, rates, scales, or tariffs that are not fixed by law and relate to revenue accruing to a revenue fund. 

The public can access the gazette to make comments on it by visiting Government Printing Works Website using this link http://www.gpwonline.co.za/GPWGazettes.htm and clicking on Provincial Gazettes. The document is saved under the name 072 29-2-2024 GautSeparate published on 29-02-2024. 

Alternatively interested parties can access the same document by visiting www.gauteng.gov.za, click Health Department under organisation, then go to publication to download the gazette. 

Written comments must be submitted by email or hand delivered to emma.mathibedi@gauteng.gov.za or at the Gauteng Department of Health office at Life Centre Building, 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg during office hours. 

Ends/ 

Issued by Gauteng Department of Health