Paediatric Care in South Africa…

Paediatricians are vital because they specialise in the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of developing bodies (children). In SA, there are 279 registered paediatrician locations as of April 2026, marking a 3.7% increase since 2023.

Why Are Paediatricians Important

Unlike general practitioners, paediatricians are trained specifically to manage children from birth through young adulthood (typically up to age 16 or 18). Their importance lies in several key areas:

- They track critical milestones like motor skills, language acquisition, and social interaction, which allows for the early detection of developmental delays.

- They manage the National Immunisation Schedule to protect against life-threatening diseases like polio and measles.

- Children often cannot articulate symptoms clearly; paediatricians are trained to interpret subtle signs, to diagnose serious conditions like congenital heart diseases or asthma.

- They offer continuity of care, acting as a “medical home” for children with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes or ADHD.

Paediatricians in SA

The distribution of paediatric specialists is heavily concentrated in major urban provinces - with Gauteng and the Western Cape having the highest numbers and the Northern Cape at stretched capacity with only 2 in the entire province.

Interesting Facts

- 91% of these locations are single-owner operations, while about 9% are part of larger healthcare brands.

- Private consultations range from R550 to R1,000 or more.

- Private paediatric care is widely accessible for those with medical aid, while the public sector remains stretched, often requiring a referral from a clinic nurse or GP to see a specialist at a regional hospital.

Child Demographics

- 20-21 million children (under 18) live in SA.

- Nearly 1 million births were registered in 2023.

Health & Mortality

- 1 in 25 children die before their 5th birthday, with mortality increasing in the past decade.

- 30 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019.

- Over 25% of children under five show signs of chronic malnutrition (stunting).

Go to www.sanalifestyle.co.za to explore our Practitioner Network.