The implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form ‘may result in an exodus of doctors from South Africa,’ expressed Cas Coovadia, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).
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Coovadia voiced BUSA’s concerns regarding the legislation, stating, ‘We are worried. In fact, we are very worried that the private sector has been sidelined.’
President Ramaphosa recently signed the NHI Bill into law, aiming to achieve universal coverage for health services. However, critics argue that the current scheme ‘will not achieve it as it cuts out private funding, is unconstitutional, and is unworkable.’
Coovadia emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of NHI, warning that the government’s exclusion of the private sector from funding any procedure covered by NHI could lead to ‘an exodus of doctors out of the country.’
According to Daily Investor, the NHI Bill is raising concerns among organisations like the South African Medical Association (SAMA), who fear it will drive medical professionals away from the country.
SAMA voiced deep concerns about the NHI’s parliamentary passage, citing numerous objections by the organisation.
They noted that the NHI’s approval disregarded input from medical professionals, risking a significant loss of vital skills. Solidarity’s medical professional networks echoed this worry, with many members considering emigration due to the NHI’s impending implementation.
Peirru Marx, Solidarity’s medical networks coordinator, emphasised doctors’ vehement opposition to the NHI bill, citing concerns about deteriorating conditions under the proposed system.
According to a study conducted by the Solidarity Research Institute (SNI) among doctors, if the NHI is implemented, a large number of them would leave the country.
The study found that 94% of respondents believed private health practitioners might choose to work abroad due to the NHI, with 47% indicating they would start the emigration process once the NHI is accepted in South Africa.
It was found that 19% of respondents had already begun the emigration process, while a disheartening 0% of medical practitioners showed optimism towards the NHI.
Marx also highlighted the concerning decline in the production of doctors and nursing students over the past decade, compounding worries about the future of healthcare in South Africa.
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Picture: Frennie Shivambu / Gallo Images
