Johnathan Paoli
THE National Health Insurance Bill that aims to provide universal healthcare to all South Africans has been passed in the National Council of Provinces.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the Covid-19 pandemic illustrated what the country’s health sector was capable of.
“Others believe that we must wait until economic growth, but it’s at a time when things are difficult that we must pull together and make sure we can share the resources which are available,” Phaahla said.
The National Assembly passed the bill in June this year, with 125 voting against and 205 voting in favour of it.
African Christian Democratic Party MP Marie Sukers said the legislation will have far-reaching consequences.
“The consequences of this legislation will be far-reaching and very costly with the inevitable consequence we may face an exodus out of the country by medical corporations and human capital,” Sukers said.
Eight of the provinces
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