President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law on Wednesday, as confirmed by a statement released by the presidency on Monday evening.
The NHI Bill aims to establish universal healthcare for all South Africans by eliminating the existing “two-tier” system. Currently, the majority of healthcare spending is directed towards the private sector, benefiting only a few, while the public sector remains underfunded.
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The bill received approval from the National Council of Provinces in December, paving the way for President Ramaphosa to sign it into law. However, prior to this decision, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) expressed their opposition to the bill.
They argued that it was unconstitutional due to Section 33, which proposes phasing out the benefits that medical schemes can reimburse members for. They claimed that this would limit access to healthcare instead of progressively expanding it.
Despite these concerns, the NHI Bill is expected to bring significant changes to the South African healthcare system. It aims to provide equal access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
By abolishing the current two-tier system, the NHI Bill seeks to address the disparities in healthcare provision and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to everyone.
President Ramaphosa’s signing of the NHI Bill into law marks a significant step towards achieving universal healthcare in South Africa. It is a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services and provide equitable access to medical care.
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