Opponents claim the move is a ploy by the government to buy votes ahead of elections on May 29
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law a bill that aims to provide universal health coverage and address the country’s longstanding disparities in access to medical care.
In his speech at the signing on Wednesday, Ramaphosa described the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act as a “transformational” initiative and a milestone in Pretoria’s efforts for a more just society.
“The provision of health care in this country is currently fragmented, unsustainable and unacceptable,” the president said, adding that “the NHI Bill presents an innovative approach to funding universal healthcare based on social solidarity.”
Currently, 80% of South Africans are reportedly dependent on overburdened public-funded health services, with approximately 16% having access to private healthcare through medical aid plans.
The move comes just two weeks before a national election in which analysts predict the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party could lose its overall majority for the first time since it assumed power three decades ago.
President @CyrilRamaphosa signs the National Health Insurance Bill into law#NHIAct 🩺#LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/YAOaqScnKG
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 15, 2024