Cape Town — Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has dismissed claims that the African National Congress (ANC) intends to compromise the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Reports suggested that the ANC planned to propose mandatory medical aid membership for employees to reduce claims and ease the strain on public healthcare. It was further alleged that this proposal aimed to placate parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) that oppose the NHI, IOL reported.
“The Minister and the Department of Health want to place on record that no such plan will be proposed to the Cabinet Lekgotla,” said departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale, calling the allegations “unfounded and ridiculous.”
Motsoaledi criticised forcing medical aid to lower costs, stating that it was an ill-informed suggestion and would not solve escalating private healthcare expenses.
He also expressed concern about “persistent disinformation” surrounding the NHI, accusing sections of the media of attempting to discredit the policy in the eyes of the public.
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ActionSA responded to the allegations by highlighting broader issues of policy uncertainty within the ANC, which it said harms South Africans more than the NHI itself. The party called for the NHI’s suspension in favour of systemic healthcare reforms.
“ActionSA calls on the Minister to halt the implementation of the NHI entirely and instead focus on addressing the systemic failures of South Africa’s healthcare system,” said ActionSA’s Kgosi Letlape.
The party pointed to the Health Market Inquiry (HMI) as a sound basis for reform, advocating for equitable access to healthcare through stronger oversight and reduced barriers to entry for smaller players in the market.
While acknowledging the NHI’s good intentions, ActionSA criticised it as “fundamentally flawed,” warning it could collapse the healthcare system by duplicating inefficiencies and creating opportunities for corruption.
Letlape urged the government to prioritise transparency, accountability, and efficiency in healthcare reforms to serve the interests of all South Africans.
ActionSA notes with concern recent media reports quoting senior ANC sources saying that the ANC plans to table a new National Health Insurance (NHI) compromise proposal at the first Cabinet Lekgotla of 2025.https://t.co/WAQrW2I9Mh
While the Minister of Health has dismissed…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) January 13, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
