South Africa Pushes Forward with Controversial National Health Insurance Bill

South Africa is advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill despite resistance. The bill aims to overhaul the current healthcare system, providing universal coverage and limiting private insurance roles. President Cyril Ramaphosa endorsed it pre-election, with Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi outlining immediate implementation steps.

South Africa is forging ahead with the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced, despite strong opposition from varying quarters.

The NHI seeks to establish universal healthcare by overhauling South Africa's existing two-tier system. Ramaphosa signed the bill just before the May election, where his party, the African National Congress (ANC), lost its parliamentary majority. In a speech at the closing of an ANC policy meeting, he emphasized the social and economic importance of affordable, accessible, quality healthcare for all South Africans.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi disclosed that transitional mechanisms outlined in the bill would be implemented immediately, including forming advisory committees and amending relevant health laws to align with NHI goals. This legislation aims to minimize the role of private insurance and create a public fund for free citizen access. However, big local health insurers and the Democratic Alliance (DA) party have expressed concerns over the bill's funding model and its phased rollout.

(With inputs from agencies.)