About a compulsory medical examination hospitalisation or treatment for people with communicable (contagious) diseases 

If you suffer from a contagious disease, a doctor may insist that you undergo a compulsory medical examination, hospitalisation or treatment at a place chosen by the doctor.

If the Department of Health believes that the disease can be dangerous to the community, it can restrict access to and from the area where the source of the disease may be found. This restriction may be enforced for as long as it is necessary to determine the source and cause of the disease.

This is done to prevent the spread of the disease from one person to another, which can cause serious illness, disability or death.

What you should do

1. You must go to the hospital.
2. You will be examined by the doctor.
3. If the doctor finds that you have a communicable disease the doctor will:
4. If you have exposed other people to the communicable disease the doctor will:
5. You will be discharged from hospital once you have been declared free of the contagious disease or infection.

Note: You will remain under supervision and receive treatment.

How long does it take

You will stay in hospital or institution until you are free of the contagious disease or infection.

How much does it cost

It is free at public health facilities.

Forms to complete

There are no forms but a referral letter will be needed. 

Who to contact