Motsoaledi dismisses NHI doubts, says it’s here to stay

The government has faced criticism from various sectors, including the health and business industries, over its capacity to manage a universal healthcare system.

The South African Medical Association (SAMA), healthcare professionals, business organisations, civil rights groups and political parties have all raised concerns about the bill in its current form.  

Many fear, that the government’s inability to efficiently run NHI, could lead to the collapse of South Africa’s healthcare system.  

Responding to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate on Wednesday, Motsoaledi dedicated his speech to defending the policy.  

"Mr President, in your State of the Nation Address last week, you confronted critics and doomsayers by saying something they believed would never be said. If I may quote you: ‘This year, we will proceed with the preparatory work for the establishment of NHI," said Motsoaledi.

He dismissed claims that NHI had been removed from the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).  

"Yesterday, during this debate, DA MP MJ Cuthbert said he was happy that NHI is not in the MTDP. Sorry, sir, it is there."

He accused some critics of opposing NHI without fully understanding the Act.

Motsoaledi stressed that the NHI is not a healthcare system, but a 'health financing system' aimed at ensuring equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of financial status.  

"If any country already has all the infrastructure, equipment, and healthcare professionals needed, then it does not need NHI. But that is not the case for South Africa."

He reiterated that the only way to implement the NHI is through a phased rollout.  

"NHI ensures that all people receive quality health services without suffering financial hardships—what the World Health Organisation calls ‘Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure.’ Over centuries, many people have fallen into poverty due to medical costs. NHI is designed to prevent that."

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