Without much warning, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law just 14 days before the national elections.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla said at the signing ceremony at the Union Buildings, “This is a historic milestone in our nation’s health policy. This move sets us on a course where all South Africans get free access to healthcare.”
Ramaphosa looked triumphant when he took to the podium despite being 30 minutes late.
He said, “This vision is not just about social justice. It is about the efficiency and quality of healthcare in SA, which is currently fragmented, unsuitable and wholly unacceptable.
“The passage of this bill sets the foundation for parallel healthcare systems. With the NHI, access to quality care will be determined by need, not the ability to pay, which will have better health outcomes and prevent avoidable deaths.”….more
