Is there a duty on healthcare practitioners to treat? Scenario 1

• A homeless pedestrian is critically injured by a motor car in front of a private hospital. The person has suffered significant internal injuries. He is not on medical aid, and has no income except what he receives when begging. He needs immediate medical attention to save his life. The nearest public hospital is 10 kilometres away. If the person does not receive urgent medical attention he will die from his internal injuries. The admissions clerk is concerned that the person will not be able to pay for the treatment by the private hospital’s healthcare practitioners and the necessary medication.

–What should the health practitioners at the private hospital do?

–Is there a duty on them to treat the patient – irrespective of his income? Why or why not?