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  • Top 10 Best Hospitals in Durban – Contacts & Locations


    Top 10 Best Hospitals in Durban – Contacts & Locations

    1. Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital

    Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital – IALCH Web Address: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 800 Vusi Mzimela Rd, Umkumbaan, Durban, 4091, South Africa Phone: +27312401000

    Type: Public tertiary hospital (specialist care)
    📞 Main number: +27 31 240 1000
    📍 Address: 800 Vusi Mzimela Rd, Cato Manor, Durban, 4091, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4QMUqDptzqP4bH1NA
    💡 Good for: Major emergencies, complex surgery, specialist care referrals, ICU, oncology and trauma.


    2. Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital

    Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital Web Address: 107 J.B. Marks Rd, Bulwer, Berea, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27312685000

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 268 5000 (general switchboard) (Camaf)
    📍 Address: 107 J.B. Marks Rd, Bulwer, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XoJrB1e9wxdTaP68
    💡 Good for: General surgery, emergency care, private ward, family medicine.


    3. Netcare uMhlanga Hospital

    Netcare uMhlanga Hospital Web Address: 323 uMhlanga Rocks Dr, Umhlanga, Durban, 4320, South Africa Phone: +27315605500

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 560 5500 (Camaf)
    📍 Address: 323 uMhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga, Durban, 4320, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bgGZR9xCyH7r4YyN9
    💡 Good for: Maternity care, elective surgery, general medicine.


    4. Life Entabeni Hospital

    Life Entabeni Hospital Web Address: Lower Grnd flr, 148 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Berea, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27312041300

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 261 7073 (Urologist)
    📍 Address: 148 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z2DzTG8b4eq7o7oY9
    💡 Good for: Rehabilitation, surgery, maternity and outpatient care.


    5. King Edward Viii Hospital

    King Edward Viii Hospital – Critical Care Unit Address: Gate 2, 719 Umbilo Road, Congella, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27313603111

    Type: Public hospital (teaching hospital)
    📞 Phone: +27 31 360 3111 (main) (Archdiocese of Durban)
    📍 Address: Gate 2, 719 Umbilo Rd, Congella, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A1p7qwiVTGQbF8mG7
    💡 Good for: Public emergency care, maternity, general medical services.


    6. Addington Hospital

    Addington Hospital Address: 16 Erskine Terrace, South Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27313272000

    Type: Public regional hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 337 5676 / +27 83 392 9089 (Archdiocese of Durban)
    📍 Address: 16 Erskine Terrace, South Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GHx4Y9XtcMG7QmN7
    💡 Good for: Emergency, maternity and general treatment for local residents.


    7. Lenmed: Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre

    Lenmed: Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre Web Address: Riverhorse Valley Business Est, Cnr Riverhorse & Queen Nandi Drive, Newlands East, 4037, South Africa Phone: +27315812400

    Type: Private specialist hospital (Heart)
    📞 Phone: +27 31 581 2400 (Lenmed Hospital Group)
    📍 Address: Riverhorse Valley Business Est, Cnr Riverhorse & Queen Nandi Drive, Newlands East, 4037, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3y6s3AFaXeu4x3wx8
    💡 Good for: Heart surgery, cardiac care (adult and paediatric), stroke, intensive care. (Lenmed Hospital Group)


    8. Lenmed Shifa Private Hospital

    Lenmed Shifa Private Hospital Web Address: 482 Randles Rd, Sydenham, Berea, 4091, South Africa Phone: +27870870641

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 87 087 0641 (Lenmed People)
    📍 Address: 482 Randles Rd, Sydenham, Berea, 4091, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzS7hYbxGr4WGrRr8
    💡 Good for: Maternity (NICU), surgery, general medicine.


    9. Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital

    Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital – The AAK Web Address: 486-490 King Cetshwayo Hwy, Mayville, Durban, 4058, South Africa Phone: +27314923400

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 492 3453 (Urologist)
    📍 Address: 486–490 King Cetshwayo Hwy, Mayville, Durban, 4058, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YyqWnuUYjzNyh9MFA
    💡 Good for: Family care, general surgery, general medical care.


    10. City Hospital

    City Hospital Web Address: 83 Ismail C Meer St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa Phone: +27313143000

    Type: Private hospital
    📞 Phone: +27 31 309 3496 (general line) (Archdiocese of Durban)
    📍 Address: 83 Ismail C Meer St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
    🗺 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2QwpyuX6uBPSMBLy9
    💡 Good for: General medical and surgical care in central Durban.


    🏆 Best Hospital for … Specific Needs

    Need / SpecialtyBest Hospital in Durban
    ❤️ Heart & Cardiac CareLenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre — advanced cardiac surgery & paediatrics (Lenmed Hospital Group)
    🤰 Maternity & BirthLenmed Shifa, Netcare St Augustine’s, Netcare uMhlanga, Life Entabeni
    🩺 General SurgeryNetcare St Augustine’s, Netcare uMhlanga, Life Entabeni, Ahmed Al-Kadi
    👶 Children & Paediatric CareLenmed Ethekwini Heart Centre (paediatric cardiac) (Lenmed Hospital Group)
    🚨 Emergency & TraumaIALCH (public), Addington (public), King Edward VIII
    🧠 Specialist Referral / Complex CareIALCH (public tertiary)
    🏥 Public HealthcareIALCH, King Edward VIII, Addington
    🏨 Private Comfort & Short Wait TimeNetcare St Augustine’s, Netcare uMhlanga

    📊 Comparison Chart: Top 10 Durban Hospitals

    HospitalTypeBest ForContactGoogle Map
    IALCHPublic specialistComplex care, Trauma, ICU+27 31 240 1000📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/4QMUqDptzqP4bH1NA
    Netcare St Augustine’sPrivateSurgery, general care+27 31 268 5000 (Camaf)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XoJrB1e9wxdTaP68
    Netcare uMhlangaPrivateMaternity, surgery+27 31 560 5500 (Camaf)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/bgGZR9xCyH7r4YyN9
    Life EntabeniPrivateRehab, general care+27 31 261 7073 (Urologist)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/z2DzTG8b4eq7o7oY9
    King Edward VIIIPublicEmergency, general+27 31 360 3111 (Archdiocese of Durban)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/A1p7qwiVTGQbF8mG7
    Addington HospitalPublicEmergency, maternity+27 31 337 5676 (Archdiocese of Durban)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GHx4Y9XtcMG7QmN7
    Ethekwini Heart CentrePrivate specialistHeart, paediatric cardiac+27 31 581 2400 (Lenmed Hospital Group)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3y6s3AFaXeu4x3wx8
    Lenmed ShifaPrivateMaternity, general+27 87 087 0641 (Lenmed People)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzS7hYbxGr4WGrRr8
    Ahmed Al-KadiPrivateGeneral care+27 31 492 3453 (Urologist)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/YyqWnuUYjzNyh9MFA
    City HospitalPrivateGeneral medicine+27 31 309 3496 (Archdiocese of Durban)📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/2QwpyuX6uBPSMBLy9

    🩹 Tips for Choosing the Right Hospital

    Emergency – Go to the closest hospital with an A&E (public or private).
    Specialist care (heart/complex surgery) – Ethekwini Heart Centre or IALCH.
    Maternity or birth – Choose a private maternity-friendly hospital if possible.
    Children’s care – Heart and surgery care supported best at Ethekwini Heart Centre.
    Cost matters – Public hospitals usually cost less but may have longer waits.


    Here’s useful information in easy English about average hospital treatment costs in Durban / South Africa and ambulance numbers & how they work — all based on real public data and typical experiences.


    🏥 Average Treatment Costs in Durban / South Africa

    Healthcare costs vary a lot depending on whether you go to a public hospital or a private hospital, and whether you have medical aid (insurance).


    🩹 1. Public Hospital Costs (Government)

    In South Africa, public hospitals are subsidised by the government. This means care can be very cheap or free in many situations:

    ✔ If you don’t have medical aid, emergency treatment in public hospitals can be free or very low cost in urgent cases, especially for life-threatening emergencies. (safacts.co.za)

    ✔ Basic fees for general visits or non-emergencies (like doctor consultation, tests) are usually very low and often based on income. (Expatica)

    ✔ Some services like X-rays, scans or specialist consultations can cost a small amount — sometimes from about R70 and up for basic tests in public facilities, depending on your income level and whether you qualify for free care. (Reddit)

    Summary (public):

    • Emergency care = often free or low cost for life-threatening cases. (safacts.co.za)
    • Consultations = often very low (R10–R100+) depending on service and income. (Expatica)
    • Overall, public hospitals are much cheaper than private ones.

    💸 2. Private Hospital Costs

    Private hospital care in Durban — like Netcare, Life, Lenmed or Ahmed Al-Kadi — is more expensive than public care but often faster with more comfort. Costs depend on:

    Private consultation fees:

    • Visiting a doctor in a private hospital can often cost several hundred rand without insurance. (Expatica)

    Emergency Room / ER visit (private):

    • You can expect to pay something like R1,500 to R5,000 for an emergency room visit before admission. (agmedicalsolutions.com)

    Hospital stay:

    • A night in a general ward at a private hospital can be thousands of rand per night. For ICU or specialist care it can be much higher. (agmedicalsolutions.com)

    Specific procedures:

    • Childbirth or surgery costs vary widely — for example, a private birth (C-section) can range from several thousand rand (“all-in” figures such as R6,000 reported by patients with insurance) to many tens of thousands without medical aid. (Reddit)

    Important:
    These costs can be much lower if you have medical aid and the hospital is in your plan’s network — many South Africans use medical aid to reduce private hospital bills.


    🚑 Ambulance Services — Numbers & Costs

    📞 Emergency Numbers in South Africa

    🇿🇦 Public ambulance number:

    • 10177 — the main number to call for public emergency ambulance service anywhere in SA, including Durban.
    • You can also call 112 from a mobile phone to reach emergency services. (Expatica)

    📍 Private ambulance numbers (South Africa):

    • Netcare911: 082 9111
    • ER24: 084 124
      These are private ambulance providers you can call directly in emergencies or for planned transport. (southafricablog.com)

    📍 Durban local private ambulance (example):

    • One Rescue Durban:
      • Emergency: 087-8222-991
      • Mobile: 071-9944-091
        This service can transport patients to and from hospitals, events and transfers. (1rescue.co.za)

    💰 Ambulance Costs

    Public Ambulance Service

    ✔ If it’s a life-threatening emergency and you are uninsured, public ambulances will stabilise and take you to the hospital at no charge for the initial emergency service. (safacts.co.za)

    Private Ambulance Service Costs (Typical)

    If you use a private ambulance (especially for non-emergency transfers or if you request it):

    • Basic Life Support transport can start from around R2,500 to R4,000 for up to about an hour of service. (safacts.co.za)
    • Advanced Life Support (with intensive medical care in the ambulance) can be more, sometimes above R4,000+ for the initial hour. (safacts.co.za)
    • After the first hour, additional charges are based on time or distance (for example, per km beyond 100 km). (safacts.co.za)

    💡 Note: Private ambulance costs are usually charged even if you have medical aid, but many medical aids will reimburse some or all of the cost depending on your plan.


    🧠 Simple Summary

    Hospital Cost Expectations

    • 🏥 Public hospital: Often low cost or free in emergencies — government helps pay. (safacts.co.za)
    • 🏨 Private hospital: Higher cost — thousands to tens of thousands of rand depending on care, admission, surgeries and length of stay. (agmedicalsolutions.com)
    • 👶 Maternity or surgery: Can be expensive without insurance — list prices vary a lot by hospital and procedure. (Reddit)

    Ambulance

    • 📞 Public emergency number: 10177 or 112 — often free for urgent incidents. (Expatica)
    • 🚑 Private ambulance costs: From about R2,500–R4,000+ for basic transport without medical aid. (safacts.co.za)
    • 📱 Private providers: Netcare911, ER24, One Rescue Durban offer services you can call directly. (southafricablog.com)

    📌 Tips to Save Money

    Use public EMS (10177) for true emergencies if cost is a concern. (safacts.co.za)
    Check your medical aid cover — many plans pay for ambulance and hospital costs.
    Call the hospital first for planned hospital visits — they can advise expected costs.
    Ask for estimates in writing before surgery or admission.