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Health Experts Say Government Ignoring Workable NHI Solutions
Healthcare professionals are raising concerns that their practical and cost-effective solutions for National Health Insurance (NHI) reform are being ignored by the government. The Universal Healthcare Access Coalition (Uhac), a group of experts, has developed an evidence-based framework to improve access to quality healthcare without drastically increasing taxes. However, despite their proposals, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government would proceed with its original NHI plans in 2024.
Uhac’s Workable NHI Solutions
Uhac’s proposed framework aims to fix the failures in both public and private healthcare by:
- Ensuring free essential healthcare services for lower-income households
- Improving public healthcare service quality
- Removing co-payments for medical scheme benefits
- Introducing risk-equalisation to ensure sustainability
- Decentralising governance to prevent political interference
The coalition argues that the government’s approach to NHI, which centralizes power and control, does not address the core issues of poor service delivery, inefficiency, and high medical costs.
Why Experts Are Concerned
Uhac’s steering committee member, Dr. Aslam Dasoo, warned that the government’s plan is “unworkable” and will lead to further deterioration of the health system. “The government’s inaction has resulted in worsening service quality and rising healthcare costs,” he said.
Healthcare economist Professor Alex van den Heever added that Uhac’s plan provides a practical path to universal health coverage without the financial risks posed by the NHI. “Medical scheme members already contribute, and the government should focus on making essential healthcare free at the point of service instead of forcing a centralised system,” he explained.
Weak Governance and Political Interference
Another major issue raised by Uhac is governance. The government’s current NHI proposal retains political appointments in key leadership roles, which experts say leads to weak oversight and mismanagement. Uhac proposes decentralising governance through independent supervisory boards for hospitals and district health authorities, ensuring efficient healthcare management free from political influence.
Health Professionals Turn to Public for Support
Despite extensive engagement with the government, Uhac’s proposals have not been considered. Health professionals are now reaching out to the public, urging South Africans to support a more effective approach to universal healthcare. “We need a solution that works for everyone—public healthcare users, private medical aid members, and healthcare providers,” said Dr. Dasoo.
As the government moves forward with its NHI plans, healthcare experts warn that ignoring practical solutions could have severe consequences for South Africa’s health system. Uhac continues to advocate for reforms that provide sustainable, high-quality healthcare while ensuring financial viability.
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