NHI: DA says ‘evident’ ANC has failed to provide quality healthcare

The party spoke to the media outside the Union Building on Wednesday, shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the NHI Bill into law.

The party's lawyers are already preparing to challenge the bill in court.

 DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube said the NHI will not ensure more equality in the healthcare system.

"The DA firmly believes in the constitutional provision of quality healthcare for all South Africans.  Section 27 of the Constitution is clear about the government’s responsibility.

“However, the ANC's track record of failure in delivering this fundamental right is evident in the countless horror stories emerging from hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Gwarube believes the implementation of the NHI will worsen the healthcare system. 

"Contrary to popular belief, the NHI will not equalise our healthcare system. 

In its current form, it lacks the necessary investment to provide accessible and quality healthcare as mandated by our Constitution. 

“The notion that individuals will seamlessly access private hospitals under the NHI is a fallacy and an intentional lie peddled by the ANC.

“What we need is a comprehensive overhaul of the entire healthcare system, utilising the significant portion of our GDP allocated to healthcare, which the ANC has failed to deliver over the past three decades.”

Gwarube warned that the NHI pilot projects failed due to the government's inability to compensate contracted doctors.

 "All in all, the pilot programme since 2012/13 has cost the taxpayers over R5.1 billion, with nothing to show for it.

“Moreover, the majority of healthcare facilities do not meet the criteria for an ‘ideal clinic’, highlighting the systemic issues that persist within our healthcare infrastructure. 

“What this means is that if the NHI were to be implemented, only a fraction of hospitals and clinics would legally be allowed to provide healthcare," she said.

The party has also raised Constitutional concerns.

"There are significant constitutional concerns regarding the NHI bill, particularly regarding the provision of healthcare services to the people. The DA will closely examine these flaws and articulate our legal challenges in due course,” Gwarube explained. 

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