South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system, with a public sector and a private sector. The public sector is funded by the government and provides healthcare to the majority of the population. The private sector is funded by individuals and businesses and provides healthcare to a smaller, more affluent segment of the population

The public sector provides healthcare services through clinics and hospitals run by provincial governments. However, there have been concerns about the quality of care, long waiting times, and shortages of essential medical supplies and personnel in some public facilities, particularly in underserved areas.

The private healthcare sector offers higher-quality and often faster healthcare services to those who can afford it. Private health insurance is relatively common among higher-income individuals and offers access to private hospitals, specialists, and shorter waiting times.

South Africa’s healthcare system has to grapple with significant health disparities rooted in socioeconomic inequalities.