BY: SINETHEMBA ZONDI
President Cyril Ramaphosa is about to sign into law the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which
aims to provide increased healthcare access to many South Africans, and it has been submitted to court.
Several prominent organisations have promised to challenge the bill’s signing in court. The bill will be signed today at the Union Buildings. Among those who oppose the signing of the bill are doctor associations, businesses, youth organisations, and political parties. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all households receive quality healthcare services at no cost.
Critics argue that the bill is inconsistent with the Constitution and that key stakeholder input was
overlooked during the parliamentary hearings. The leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, urged their members to pressure Ramaphosa to sign the bill and bring the matter to court.
“We have been preparing for this battle. Our members have been advocating for this in past months.
They will bring the matter to court immediately if Ramaphosa signs the bill,” said Steenhuisen. He stated that Ramaphosa’s policy direction is unclear to the general public, especially regarding their medical aid.
He added that Ramaphosa is trying to gain votes ahead of the election, knowing that they will lose in
the election, which is why he is rushing to sign the bill. The ActionSA representative, Kgosi Letlape, said that signing the bill will result in a financial burden as seen during the corona pandemic.
“Even though there are good intentions to provide equal healthcare access, the problem is that the
manner in which this bill is being implemented will lead to corruption during the corona pandemic.”
“The government departments have shown a tendency to mishandle money,” said Dr. Letlape.
The highest authority in the government, Cas Coovadia, stated that the bill is not in line with the
Constitution, and they will take legal action if it is signed. He added that the bill will strain healthcare and the economy. According to estimates, the NHI bill will cost between R200 and R700 billion annually.
The Public Service Association representing employees expressed concern that NHI funds could be
misappropriated, and workers might face difficulties. The association of 25,000 healthcare workers, SA Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC), has been campaigning against the bill since 2011, and they are disappointed.
The spokesperson for SAHPC, Dr. Simon Strachan, hoped that Ramaphosa would reconsider the bill
and make new consultations with parliament. “Our concern is that we want the NHI to improve the existing program without compromising it,” said Dr. Strachan.
