By Emma Brand

On Wednesday, June 14, the South African Parliament successfully passed the highly debated National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. Despite concerns raised by the opposition regarding the potential strain on the already burdened healthcare system. The bill received 205 votes in favour and 125 against in the Lower House of Parliament. The legislation will now proceed to the National Council of Provinces for further review.

Having undergone 12 years of preparation, the primary objective of the bill is to ensure equal access to social security for all South Africans while reducing reliance on private insurance. Presently, the country's healthcare landscape is characterized by significant disparities, with only 16 per cent of the population having access to private medical coverage, despite the constitutional recognition of the right to social security in 1996.

Joe Phaahla, the Minister of Health, hailed this milestone as a historic achievement, emphasizing that it stands as one of the most groundbreaking legislative acts since the end of apartheid. The NHI seeks to establish an equitable, accessible, affordable, and robust healthcare system that caters to the needs of all citizens. The government will bear the costs through funding from taxes and contributions, and pricing will be regulated by the state.

Nevertheless, the NHI bill has faced opposition from parties such as the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus. The Democratic Alliance, as the primary opposition party, voiced its criticism of the legislation, expressing concerns about the strain it could place on an already burdened public healthcare system. They also questioned the ANC's competence in effectively managing the allocated funds. Moreover, they raised objections regarding the timing of the bill, viewing it as a political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections, and voiced doubts about the feasibility of implementing a national healthcare system in the near future.

The private sector has also expressed apprehension about the bill, with Business Leadership South Africa warning that it may exacerbate the challenges faced by South Africans. The private healthcare providers are concerned about their role and the potential impact on the coverage of certain procedures by national insurance.