Cape Town — The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, said the National Health Insurance (NHI) will go ahead, despite disagreements within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Minister answered questions regarding the cost and implementation of the NHI and he said it would be determined once the universal medical insurance is ready to be introduced, EWN reported.
The Minister added that healthcare systems are prepared for two phases of the NHI’s introduction, which include infrastructure, staff and quality improvements.
“The disagreements that may arise between members of the GNU about the specified act, will be discussed in the relevant government forum. The act is law as it is now, and is being implemented,” Motsoaledi said.
Motsoaledi confirmed that the NHI would not prop up private health care but instead, it would offer a better opportunity for equal and all-around access to healthcare, without suffering any financial hardships.
Motsoaledi has dismissed the R1.3 trillion price tag for the NHI, saying the estimate has been self-created.
“Motsoaledi says NHI is going ahead despite GNU disagreements
The health minister says there’s an obsession with putting a price tag on the NHI’s implementation.”You minister, have an obsession to push the NHI despite the concerns about funding. In some Gauteng hospitals,…
— Megan S. (@SimplyMegszcpt) November 14, 2024
According to The Citizen, Motsoaledi said South Africans would save money once the NHI has been implemented and he made reference to the expanded prices of procedures at private hospitals, something he said would not be allowed once the NHI has been implemented.
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Dr Karl Willem Du Pré Le Roux targeted the “elephant in the room” on how the Act would be funded.
“Has the minister and the Department of Health performed a costing of implementing the NHI Act? If yes, what are the relevant details and if not, why not?” he asked.
Motsaoledi said the “massive costs” of the NHI are self-created.
Motsoaledi’s frustrations seemed to grow as he challenged MPs to determine the costs of circumcision.
“Today I am challenging you. Go to a private hospital and try to ask for a circumcision. They will charge you R18 000, which a GP [general practitioner] can charge for R1 800,” he said.
“Why will NHI encourage you to go to a private hospital and pay R18 000 when you can pay R1 800? We won’t allow that [when the NHI is implemented],” he added.
Motsoaledi asked members of parliament to show him any country that did an accurate cost analysis before implementing universal healthcare.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
