Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) has secured the release of the body of a deceased minor child after intervening in a dispute over the classification of a refugee patient at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.

The organisation said the family was initially prevented from proceeding with burial arrangements after being presented with a hospital account of R112,000. Following urgent intervention by LHR, the hospital reviewed the patient’s classification, reducing the outstanding amount to R750 and allowing the family to collect the child’s body from the mortuary.

According to LHR, the matter was resolved without the need for litigation.

The rights organisation said it became involved after a bereaved parent sought assistance when they were unable to secure the release of their child’s body because of the outstanding hospital bill.

LHR said the amount resulted from the patient being incorrectly classified by the hospital. It said the error had significant consequences for the family during a period of grief.

Following discussions with the hospital, LHR said officials accepted the relevant refugee documentation and corrected the patient’s classification from PF to H1 (F). The revised classification reduced the amount owing from R112,000 to R750.

Once the revised account had been settled, the family was referred to the mortuary, where they were permitted to collect the child’s body and continue with burial arrangements.

LHR said the case highlighted the impact that administrative decisions within the healthcare system can have on patients and their families.

The organisation said patient classification determines the fees patients are charged, the manner in which they receive treatment and, in some cases, whether families are able to navigate illness, death and burial without unnecessary obstacles.

It described the difference between the original account and the revised amount as evidence of the consequences that can arise when patients are incorrectly classified.

LHR said no family should be placed in a position where a six figure hospital account becomes a barrier to burying a child, particularly where the charges stem from an administrative error.

The organisation further warned that refugees and other vulnerable groups are often disproportionately affected when their legal status is incorrectly understood or disregarded.

According to LHR, such errors can expose patients to unlawful or disproportionate medical charges and create unnecessary barriers to accessing essential public services.

The organisation said these failures become even more concerning in cases involving the death of a child.

LHR said hospitals and other public institutions have a legal obligation to act lawfully, fairly and in a manner consistent with constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, equality and access to healthcare services.

It said those obligations apply equally to refugees and that public institutions should ensure patient classifications are applied accurately and consistently.

“The release of a deceased person’s body should never be delayed because of an avoidable administrative error,” the organisation said.

LHR also said bereaved families should not be forced to obtain legal representation simply to correct a patient classification that should have been properly applied from the outset.

While welcoming the resolution of the matter, the organisation expressed concern that legal intervention had been necessary before the classification was corrected and the hospital account amended.

LHR said public institutions should not require external pressure before rectifying administrative mistakes with serious consequences for vulnerable people.

The organisation said the reduction of the account from R112,000 to R750 demonstrated the extent to which incorrect classification can prejudice patients and their families.

It called on healthcare institutions and relevant authorities to ensure that patient classification systems are implemented lawfully, consistently and without discrimination.

LHR also urged authorities to ensure that the rights of refugees and other vulnerable groups are respected in practice.

The organisation said the case underscored the need for proper recognition and verification of refugee and asylum documentation, lawful and consistent application of patient classification systems, and fair and transparent billing practices that comply with the law.

It further called for safeguards to prevent bereaved families from experiencing avoidable administrative delays when attempting to bury loved ones.

LHR said responses by public institutions should be guided by dignity, fairness and humanity.

The organisation said no family should be forced to endure additional hardship during a period of mourning because of administrative failures that could have been avoided.