The MEC is heard telling the patient that migrants are to blame for her department's stretched budget.

Dr Angelique Coetzee, a Solidarity Doctors Network board member, said the MEC was out of line.

“This patient is a victim of the drama between the two countries. Even if they cross the border illegally to get health services, it’s not their fault. She [the MEC] wasn’t supposed to embarrass her like that in front of people.

“It was unethical, unprofessional and out of line. She should have addressed that at a different level,” Coetzee said.