BUSA and B4SA call for a re-evaluation of controversial NHI Bill, threaten legal action

Johnathan Paoli

THE South African business fraternity, Business Unity SA (BUSA) and Business for South Africa (B4SA) have said that it will consider taking legal action against President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government following their intention to forge ahead with the highly contested National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.

BUSA urged the president to send the controversial NHI bill back to Parliament for re-evaluation and amendments, and said that in its current form it could prove disastrous for the country’s health system.

The NHI Bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces late last year, and subsequently sent on to the president to be signed into law, with the government standing firm in its support for the bill, and rejecting warnings that it could potentially undermine universal healthcare instead of advancing its progress.

BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia said that while the organisation did not stand in opposition to equal access