Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill into law today, Wednesday, 15 May, a move that has sparked controversy and legal challenges.
Ramaphosa has defended the decision, saying that the NHI aims to provide quality healthcare for all citizens, especially the poor.
“The opposition on NHI is coming from well-to-do, rich people…This is what often happens. The haves don’t want the have-nots to benefit from what they have been having,” the resident said while addressing business on the importance of signing the NHI bill into law.
He said that the NHI instilled fear in many, including some white individuals, reminiscent of the apprehension felt when all South Africans gained voting rights after the advent of democracy, with concerns arising over potential loss of privileges.
“The biggest fear in the hearts of white people in this country. They were terrified, they were so afraid when they thought when everybody gets a vote and the privilges that they always had are now going to disappear.
“Let me tell you something, my good friends, we are not a reckless government. We are a government that is focused on building a nation, reconciliation and making sure that there is equality fully in our country,” Ramaphosa said.
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Ramaphosa emphasised that while many laws face challenges, they are endorsed by duly elected representatives, reflecting the democratic process we uphold.
“So, in their wisdom, they have voted for that piece of legislation and whoever is unhappy has a number of avenues,” he said when asked whether the bill would withstand legal scrutiny and backlash.
Despite concerns and legal threats from groups like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and AfriForum, Ramaphosa affirmed the government’s commitment to equality and democracy.
Various organisations, including the DA, AfriForum, and the South African Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC), are gearing up for legal challenges, citing constitutional and procedural concerns with the NHI bill, The Citizen reported.
The objective of the NHI Bill is set to provide universal access to quality health care for all South Africans of all races, rich or poor, and legal long-term residents, IOL reported.
The new bill means South Africans will no longer be required to contribute directly to a medical health scheme, and the NHI will now make healthcare more affordable for all.
Those without medical aid will not be charged when visiting healthcare facilities because the NHI fund would cover the costs in the same way that medical schemes do for their members.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
