NEHAWU Supports The Minister of Health In Defending The Full Implementation Of The National Health Insurance Act
Wednesday January 15, 2025
![NEHAWUSupports Dr Aaron Mtsoaledi in Defending the full implementation of the Natioal Health Insurance [NHI]](images/DrAaronMotsoaledi@SACPCongress.jpg)
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] supports the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in defending the full implementation of the National Health Insurance [NHI] Act.
This follows reports by the City Press and other media outlets that the government plans to compromise on the NHI to appease the partners of the Government of National Unity especially the Democratic Alliance, who are fundamental opposed to the implementation of the NHI.
We welcome the fact that the Minister has comprehensively responded to the allegations that seek to derail the full implementation of the NHI Act without any compromises. The article by the City Press forms part of the agenda of those who are hell-bent on stalling the implementation of NHI despite the fact that NHI Act went through series of debates, scrutiny and deliberations which culminated to the President signing the Act.
As NEHAWU, we reiterate our call for President Ramaphosa to promulgate the National Health Insurance Act into force for the implementation of the NHI. We call on President Ramaphosa not to be swayed by those who are fundamentally opposed and seek to litigate against the NHI Act.
The NHI Act signifies a progressive step towards government fulfilling the Constitutional obligation, more particularly, Section 27, Subsection 1, which enjoins government to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare.
As NEHAWU, we reassert that any sustainable path to UHC requires a single-payer system. We remain confident that any proposal will fail without the establishment of a single-payer funding pool. Non-voluntary insurance models, like the NHI, ensure inclusivity by preventing discrimination based on health status, age or income. This approach creates a safety net where healthier and wealthier individuals cross-subsidize those with greater healthcare needs, making access universal and equitable for all. This is the root of concern raised by Business, as the implementation of NHI will see the billions of Rands serving the interests of a small portion of the population equalised to serve the majority.
The current voluntary and fragmented system entrenches inequality, leaving millions without proper coverage. Only through a single, pooled fund with a single purchaser can we ensure cross-subsidization and equitable access, while controlling costs and avoiding fragmentation. Universal Health Coverage cannot be achieved without a centralized funding mechanism; any system that relies on private insurance or voluntary contributions will continue to marginalize vulnerable groups, leaving our country’s vast health disparities unaddressed.
Lastly, we reiterate our support to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in defending the full implementation of the National Health Insurance [NHI] Act.
END
Issued by NEHAWU KwaZulu-Natal Office
For more information, please contact: Ayanda Zulu (Provincial Secretary) at 081 758 5199 or email: Ayandaz@nehawu.org.za or
Ntokozo Nxumalo (Provincial Deputy Secretary) at 0815255983 or email: Ntokozo@Nehawu.org.za
Visit https://www.nehawu.org.za
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