Feeling better yet?
Alarm over NHI inconsistency
Notes of caution ring out from unions and economists as government eyes medical tax credits to fund health care for women, children and the aged under NHI
Treasury and health may appear to be singing from different hymn sheets when it comes to National Health Insurance (NHI) — but behind the scenes officials are quietly crafting a pilot structure to test crucial aspects of government’s grand plan for universal health care. This interim entity will purchase a limited set of services from public and private sector alike, possibly as early as next year, while the legal framework required to breathe life into the NHI is being finalised. The NHI is, at core, a set of financing reforms that promise health care that is free for everyone at the point of service. On that much, everyone in government agrees. But how this will be achieved, at what pace, and where the private health-care sector fits in, remains deeply ambiguous. On the other hand, former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and incumbent Malusi Gigaba have articulated a more progressive approach, suggesting that "small adjustments" be made to the medical tax credits. These are typical...
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.