The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has called for additional public hearings concerning the controversial National Health Insurance Bill (NHI). This legislative proposal is currently under deliberation in the Western Cape parliament, and several public hearings on the bill have already taken place.
As reported by News24, Gerrit Pretorius, the spokesperson on health for the DA Western Cape, expressed concerns about the bill, emphasising its potential to bring about a significant transformation in the South African healthcare system.
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Pretorius explained that the NHI Bill will bring a substantial overhaul to the system, with private healthcare facing near elimination and South Africans being required to seek medical care at state-designated facilities.
The bill proposes the establishment of a single, government-administered fund to finance nearly all healthcare services in South Africa, a proposition that, Pretorius noted, raises concerns about the potential for widespread corruption.
Last Thursday, the provincial legislature concluded the seventh in a series of public hearings held across the Western Cape. While some members of the public voiced support for the bill, others raised valid questions regarding its feasibility and the funding mechanisms it entails.
According to News24, many attendees expressed frustration at the considerable distances and personal expenses they had to bear to participate in these hearings, underlining concerns that not everyone may have the means or time to attend.
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Pretorius underscored the importance of ensuring that every resident of the Western Cape has the opportunity to exercise their constitutionally protected right to be heard, especially concerning legislation as impactful as the NHI Bill. He emphasised the necessity of further public hearings to ensure a thorough and careful examination of this legislative process.
Pretorius committed to engaging with parliamentary staff to plan additional public hearings in areas of the Western Cape that have not yet been covered.
‘I will engage with parliamentary staff to plan more public hearings in areas of the Western Cape which have yet to be covered.’
Currently, the NHI Bill is under consideration by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) following its passage in the National Assembly in June, despite staunch opposition from the private healthcare industry and opposition parties.
The NHI will establish a single fund funded by income earners, likely through a payroll tax. The Western Cape Government has consistently expressed its stance on the NHI Bill. MEC Nomafrench Mbombo asserted in July that the country requires universal health coverage (UHC), which would provide free healthcare for all citizens.
She pointed out that the NHI, as a money bill, does not explicitly address the issue of UHC.
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