Members of Parliament debating the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) have questioned the financial sustainability of the plan, while some netizens say the legislation is being rushed.
Minister of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize presented a basic outline of what the NHI will look like when it is rolled out across the country, but dismayed opposition parties said his presentation was thin on details.
The draft National Health Insurance bill was approved by cabinet earlier this week and is the driving force behind the ruling ANC’s goal of implementing a universal healthcare system in South Africa.
Cabinet’s approval is not enough though, as the bill will still need to meet parliamentary approval before it is signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The primary aim of NHI is to ensure that sick people are treated based on their illness, not their ability to pay.
It is a huge issue in South Africa because of the perceived difference in quality of healthcare provided in private and public hospitals.
The minister explained that the public would never get on-board with the NHI based on the current state of public facilities and has earmarked just over R20 billion to upgrade and build over the next three years.
“It will be impossible to convince the public about the virtues of the NHI if it is built over a dilapidated and decaying infrastructure.”
- R6 billion to build four new hospitals and 34 clinics
- R8.9 billion to build 485 new clinics
- R5.2 billion to refurbish and maintain 85 existing hospitals and 120 clinics
Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, said the Bill would give effect to the government’s plan for universal healthcare services for all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
The DA said nationalizing healthcare will destroy the lives of South Africans.
DA Shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube, said the bill in its current form has not been costed nor has its feasibility been tested.
Not so, say’s Mkhize…
“While this is a significant amount, it is grossly inadequate. The department has done an audit of all facilities and have costed the entire programme of infrastructure build.”
Minister of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize
Some believe the sweeping reforms envisaged to realise government’s goal of universal health coverage is happening too fast.
Mthembu said that the latest draft incorporated inputs received during three months of consultations between June and September last year, adding that it would also be subjected to a “rigorous parliamentary process.”
“It will be based on the values of justice, fairness and social solidarity. It will address the current health system that serves only 16% of South Africans, whilst excluding the overwhelming majority of South Africans,” Mthembu said.
The NHI Bill further provides for the creation of the NHI Fund, which will report to the Minister of Health.
Mthembu said that once passed, the NHI implementation plan would be amended to allow for the NHI to be rolled out in phases.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize is expected to convene a meeting with key stakeholders next week to unpack the bill, following the department’s budget vote Friday.
