BUSA ‘disappointed’ at continued lack of engagement on NHI
Business Unity South Africa has again called for urgent amendments to the National Health Insurance.
The organisation has been opposed to the implementation of universal health coverage in its current form, saying it will have a huge impact on the country's fiscal stability.
The NHI Bill was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the general elections in May.
According to Momentum Health, the implementation of NHI will likely cost govt an estimated R1.3 trillion per year.
However, the figure was dismissed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in Parliament on Wednesday.
Speaking at the International Pharmaceutical Federation Congress in Cape Town, Motsoaledi also labelled the criticism as reminiscent of the “swart gevaar” tactics seen during apartheid.
BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia said they are concerned about the inappropriate rhetoric directed at those who have raised concerns about the NHI Act.
"We have, on many occasions and across every legislative forum, made constructive proposals on how the country can do this without negatively impacting our economy, healthcare system and fiscal stability.
"We have also been extremely clear in our position that the NHI, as is envisioned in the act, is unaffordable, unimplementable and unconstitutional, and therefore requires urgent amendment.
"We are disappointed that despite commitments by the government to engage on the NHI Act, structured discussions have not yet taken place," he added.
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