Pushing for reform may be politically difficult in short term, but worth it in the long term
23 October 2023 - 17:06
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Large groups such as Discovery have a choice before them. Engage with government policies (and those processes) only on the government’s terms, or seize the opportunity open for them now, work with citizens and civil society, and push for reform, plans and solutions (“Discovery lists NHI as second-biggest risk facing it”, October 19).
The latter path is more politically difficult in the short term, but over the long term places the country, the policy environment and the economy on a far more positive trajectory.
In its annual report published last week, Discovery identified the global cost-of-living crisis as the biggest risk it faces. Second on the list is the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI). Discovery is right to flag the NHI, and unpacks the various issues of concern at play.
Herein lies the germ of action; not to be a taker of what the government decides, policy- and legislation-wise, but to engage with and help shift the ground on which policy is built. Away from centralising, state-focused policy and towards policy reforms that remove barriers to competition, lowering the costs onerous policies place on business, and improving service delivery, especially in the public sector.
It would be irresponsible to deflect funding, governance and corruption concerns regarding the NHI by saying it will take many years to implement. The mere possibility of the NHI has already had negative fallout. This is most acutely the case with doctors, nurses and medical personnel. The additional uncertainty and risks related to the NHI incentivises such professionals to explore work opportunities overseas. Yet another policy own-goal on a growing list.
As SA moves into an era of coalition government and the private sector and civil society fill more voids left by a diminishing, less-skilled state, Discovery can play either a productive, citizen- and consumer-focused role, or a role that enables and distracts from the destructive intentions and policies of the current government.
Chris Hattingh Centre for Risk Analysis
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LETTER: Discovery has a choice
Pushing for reform may be politically difficult in short term, but worth it in the long term
Large groups such as Discovery have a choice before them. Engage with government policies (and those processes) only on the government’s terms, or seize the opportunity open for them now, work with citizens and civil society, and push for reform, plans and solutions (“Discovery lists NHI as second-biggest risk facing it”, October 19).
The latter path is more politically difficult in the short term, but over the long term places the country, the policy environment and the economy on a far more positive trajectory.
In its annual report published last week, Discovery identified the global cost-of-living crisis as the biggest risk it faces. Second on the list is the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI). Discovery is right to flag the NHI, and unpacks the various issues of concern at play.
Herein lies the germ of action; not to be a taker of what the government decides, policy- and legislation-wise, but to engage with and help shift the ground on which policy is built. Away from centralising, state-focused policy and towards policy reforms that remove barriers to competition, lowering the costs onerous policies place on business, and improving service delivery, especially in the public sector.
It would be irresponsible to deflect funding, governance and corruption concerns regarding the NHI by saying it will take many years to implement. The mere possibility of the NHI has already had negative fallout. This is most acutely the case with doctors, nurses and medical personnel. The additional uncertainty and risks related to the NHI incentivises such professionals to explore work opportunities overseas. Yet another policy own-goal on a growing list.
As SA moves into an era of coalition government and the private sector and civil society fill more voids left by a diminishing, less-skilled state, Discovery can play either a productive, citizen- and consumer-focused role, or a role that enables and distracts from the destructive intentions and policies of the current government.
Chris Hattingh
Centre for Risk Analysis
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your comments to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
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