https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240515/south-africa-embarks-on-ambitious-universal-healthcare-journey-with-new-law-1066559087.html
South Africa Embarks on Ambitious Universal Healthcare Journey With New Law
South Africa Embarks on Ambitious Universal Healthcare Journey With New Law
Sputnik Africa
Last year, the South African parliament passed the so-called National Health Insurance (NHI) bill. It aims to bridge the gap in South Africa's two-tier... 15.05.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-05-15T19:50+0200
2024-05-15T19:50+0200
2024-05-15T19:50+0200
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed on Wednesday a landmark bill into law, paving the way for universal healthcare coverage in the country. This move, coming just two weeks before the general election, is hailed by Ramaphosa as a significant step towards a more equitable society.The NHI will gradually restrict the role of private insurance, establish a public fund for free healthcare access for South African citizens, and regulate fees charged by private doctors and healthcare providers for NHI-covered services, according to local media.While supporters view this as a transformative step to address longstanding inequalities rooted in the apartheid era, opponents express concerns about the strain on already stretched public finances, limited patient choice, potential decline in care quality, and the possibility of skilled doctors leaving the country.Ramaphosa addressed critics, emphasizing that existing healthcare disparities cannot persist. He asserted a commitment to equality in healthcare provision.Major private health insurers, including Discovery, Momentum Metropolitan Health, and AfroCentric, while supporting the goal of universal healthcare, remain skeptical about the proposed funding model. Concerns about inadequate funding for a comprehensive NHI in its current form, considering the country's economic constraints, are prevalent.Meanwhile, some labor unions urge the government to fully back the NHI, ensuring adequate resource allocation.The government said that the National Treasury will determine the NHI funding sources, including a mandatory prepayment system and various taxes.
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South Africa Embarks on Ambitious Universal Healthcare Journey With New Law
Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
Last year, the South African parliament passed the so-called National Health Insurance (NHI) bill. It aims to bridge the gap in South Africa's two-tier healthcare system, where the public sector, serving the majority of the population, faces strain and limited resources, while a privileged few access better care through private insurance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed on Wednesday a landmark bill into law, paving the way for universal healthcare coverage in the country. This move, coming just two weeks before the general
election, is hailed by Ramaphosa as a significant step towards a more equitable society.
The NHI will gradually restrict the role of private insurance, establish a public fund for free healthcare access for South African citizens, and regulate fees charged by private doctors and healthcare providers for NHI-covered services, according to local media.
While supporters view this as a transformative step to address longstanding inequalities rooted in the apartheid era, opponents express concerns about the strain on already stretched public finances, limited patient choice, potential decline in care quality, and the possibility of skilled doctors leaving the country.
Ramaphosa addressed
critics, emphasizing that existing healthcare disparities cannot persist. He asserted a commitment to equality in healthcare provision.
"For those who would like to see those privileges continuing, sorry, you are on the wrong boat. The boat we are on is about equality," the leader said at the signing ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the government's seat.
Major private
health insurers, including Discovery, Momentum Metropolitan Health, and AfroCentric, while supporting the goal of universal healthcare, remain skeptical about the proposed funding model. Concerns about inadequate funding for a comprehensive NHI in its current form, considering the country's economic constraints, are prevalent.
Meanwhile, some labor unions urge the government to fully back the NHI, ensuring adequate resource allocation.
The government said that the National Treasury will determine the NHI funding sources, including a mandatory prepayment system and various taxes.
