PRETORIA – South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law on Wednesday a bill that aims to provide universal health coverage, hailing it as a major step towards a more just society two weeks before an election that is expected to be fiercely competitive.
The NHI Act targets a two-tier health system, where the publicly funded sector, serving 84% of the population, is overburdened. Meanwhile, some individuals access superior treatment via private insurance.
Opponents plan to challenge it in court, alleging it’s a vote-garnering tactic, a claim the presidency refuted. The ANC seeks to maintain its parliamentary majority in the upcoming election.
The legislation will limit private insurance roles and establish a public fund for free healthcare access. It will also regulate fees for NHI-funded services.
“The provision of healthcare in this country is fragmented, unsustainable and unacceptable,” said Ramaphosa, framing the legislation as a solution to inequalities that date back to the apartheid era.
“For those who would like to see (their) privileges continuing, sorry, you are on the wrong boat. The boat we are on is about equality,” he said at a signing ceremony at the Union Buildings, the seat of government in Pretoria.
The timing of the health bill’s signing just before the election underscores its significance. It showcases the government’s dedication to addressing critical health issues amidst political transitions. Furthermore, it reaffirms the importance of prioritizing South Africa Health as a fundamental pillar of national development.
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