Towards Making The Right of Access to Health Care Services a Reality.

Although the inclusion of economic and social rights in the South African Constitution is much welcomed, the practical realization of this category of human rights is proving to be a tremendous challenge. This article examines the right of access to health care services and provides some insight into the meaning of the right and the nature of the obligations that it imposes on the state. In doing so, some reference is made to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. While the Covenant was ratified by the South African government, the general comments by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides some useful guidance into certain aspects of health rights.