South Africa is moving ahead with implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, says President Cyril Ramaphosa, despite opposition in and outside government. The NHI aims to provide universal coverage through a major overhaul of South Africa’s two-tier system. Ramaphosa signed the bill into law just before the May 29 election in which the ANC lost its parliamentary majority.
“We have highlighted the social and economic value of affordable, accessible, quality healthcare available equally to all South Africans,” Ramaphosa said at the closing of an ANC policy meeting on Tuesday.
“We will therefore proceed with the implementation of the National Health Insurance.”
Earlier on Tuesday, health minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the section of the law which outlines transitional mechanisms would be implemented “immediately”. This includes setting up advisory committees and amending other health-related laws to be in line with the NHI. …..more
