Cape Town – Health Minister Joe Phaahla has called for unity and dismissed fearmongering around emigration due to the National Health Insurance (NHI), urging citizens to collaborate with the government for a fair and just healthcare system.
“Don’t listen to doomsayers and the scaremongers who are telling you that things are going to collapse and [you] must leave now that the President has [signed the Bill], [and you must] find the first flight [out of the country]. Stay here. Things are going to get better.
“This is our only country. We’re going to make sure that what we have achieved in the last 30 years can only get better and not worse,” Phaahla told medical professionals.
Speaking at the NHI Bill signing on Wednesday, Phaahla highlighted the historic milestone, describing it as a promise for a healthier future for all South Africans.
The NHI, aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP), aims to provide free comprehensive healthcare services and address longstanding inequities in the health system.
“Families have faced agonising decisions, having to choose between necessities and necessary medical care.
“This reality does not align with the vision we hold for South Africa, where every citizen should enjoy their life to the fullest potential,” said the Minister.
Phaahla described the signing of the Bill as a historic milestone, which paves the way for government to forge ahead with universal health coverage (UHC).
“This is a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African, affirming that the long wait has indeed been worth it,” the minister said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
