Business to approach Ramaphosa on ‘unconstitutional’ NHI Bill
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) and Business for South Africa (B4SA) have vowed to submit a formal petition to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to send the NHI Bill back to the National Assembly for amendment.
The business organisations believe the bill in its current format is not implementable.
The controversial bill was adopted in the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday following a lengthy debate by MPs.
The bill seeks to achieve universal healthcare for all South Africans.
Eight provinces voted in favour of the bill, with the only rejection coming from the DA-run Western Cape.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla told the NCOP during the debate that the bill is about the spirit of Ubuntu.
"There should be social solidarity that the rich should subsidise the poor. That is the essence of Ubuntu. When we say South Africa is about Ubuntu, to say that when your neighbour is hungry, you don't just eat alone and throw what is left, you share. The NHI is more about Ubuntu. We want to say social solidarity is important."
However, Business for South Africa chairperson, Martin Kingston says the bill is not only unimplementable, but it is also unaffordable and unconstitutional.
"Not a single proposed amendment by any party, including the National Department of Health, was considered during the process to render it either affordable or workable. We will be submitting a formal petition to the president setting out the substantive and the procedural grounds to be addressed if the legislation is to pass constitutional muster."
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