POLICY DOCUMENT
Minister’s universal healthcare plan a wan fantasy lacking robust detail
White paper fails to account for ailing economy, poor regulatory mechanisms and the role of private schemes
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi arrived at the ANC conference this weekend with a freshly minted policy on National Health Insurance (NHI), promising delegates and the nation game-changing reforms that herald affordable quality healthcare for all. Yet, as ever, the policy remains long on promise and short on detail, lacking a credible implementation plan. It has all the air of a job pushed through to appease the minister’s political masters and keep trade union federation Cosatu at bay. In essence, the NHI is a set of health financing reforms that aim to provide everyone with healthcare services that are free at the point of delivery. It is enshrined in social solidarity principles that state that everyone should contribute according to their means and will receive benefits according to their needs — in effect ensuring the rich and healthy subsidise the poor and sick. At present, public sector patients pay fees that are means-tested, so only the very poor get discounted or free ser...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.