Forced HIV testing in Gauteng: Provide proof, urges Health department
The Department of Health has called on anyone who has been a victim of forced HIV tests to come forward.
This comes after reports of clinics in Alexandra township forcing patients to take HIV tests.
According to the reports, the clinics are withholding medical assistance until patients agree to be tested.
Health spokesperson Joe Maila told Sowetan LIVE that he has heard about the rumours but there allegations remain remain unfounded as no proof has been brought forward.
"We can only advise people to take HIV tests, not force them and we have not received any complaints about this," said Maila.
Patients at local clinic on 4th Ave in Alexandra say HIV testing is done on all patients before they can see a doctor #ForcedHIVTesting
— Kaya FM News (@KayaNews) May 19, 2015
1.Mothers in Eldorado park are being forced to test for HIV at a local clinic. #ForcedHIVTests
— Kaya FM News (@KayaNews) May 18, 2015
2. Kaya FM News has found that mothers are being turned away from an Eldorado Park clinic if they refuse to test for HIV #ForcedHIVTests
— Kaya FM News (@KayaNews) May 18, 2015
3. Eldorado Clinic staff refusing to give infants immunization shots if their mothers do not test for HIV. #ForcedHIVTests
— Kaya FM News (@KayaNews) May 18, 2015
"I got a call from from someone who was adamant that people are being forced to test and that it is national but could not provide proof, I think it is very incorrect and irresponsible to say that this is national," he said.
"It might have happened somewhere but you cannot say its national," explained Maile.