Have your say on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill
| Parliament has asked the public to comment on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Health Insurance Fund aimed at promoting universal access to quality health care. Many stakeholders and experts have raised concerns that the NHI scheme envisaged in the Bill is simply unaffordable, particularly as it would require an extensive administrative apparatus. A related concern is the extent to which the NHI will rely on the public health care system to deliver services, and the capacity of that system to provide an acceptable quality of services. Given the dire state of public health care in our country, it is surprising that the Government persists with plans to spend vast resources on implementing the NHI. Clause 49 of the Bill states that the Fund’s chief source of income will be money appropriated annually by Parliament. This must be appropriated from collections of, among others, general tax revenue, a payroll tax and a surcharge on personal income tax. Yes or No ; do you support the draft Bill as is – do you have a suggestion or alternative option? Closing day is Friday 1 September. Please take a minute to have a say at this link or the green button below, right away https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/nhi-bill/ (Additional information, documents and explanatory videos are available on the participation pages). Linda, this is an opportunity for you to drive a positive outcome towards a democratic South Africa. As we have seen, public pressure does create impact, and your voice is a powerful influence on the direction of our democracy. Note that your comment is immediately delivered to parliament and you will receive confirmation. I will also personally present a full report to parliament, along with all public comments and suggestions. Rest assured, your voice will be heard. |
