LETTER: Devil is in the NHI detail
If implemented in its planned form, National Health Insurance will decimate medical schemes — and the middle class will pay
The recent cabinet adoption of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill has brought about a renewed enthusiasm for this massive project. Dr Anban Pillay of the department of health is its promoter and zealot. Even MDs in the medical insurance industry soft-pedal the obvious threats it poses to their business models. Maybe this is just their public face. Be careful what you wish for.
We are told by Pillay that medical aids and private insurance will be allowed to co-exist with state provision. Sounds okay. But what he does not say is that very few procedures (really only cosmetic ones) will be allowed under private care. The NHI, if implemented in its currently planned form, will decimate the private health insurance business...
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.