Public hearings on the National Health Insurance (NHI) will begin in January after Portfolio Committee discussions in Parliament. This comes after the opportunity for public inputs to a petition to roll out the programme closed on Friday.
According to Free State MEC of Health Montseng Tsiu, NHI mainly aims to improve medical care for the South African masses, even those who cannot afford medical aid. “The NHI accredited hospitals and clinics will all be of a high standard so that there won’t be a distinction between private and public health facilities,” she said.
According to the Department of Health should the new system be put in place all citizens of South Africa and legal long-term residents will be provided with essential healthcare, regardless of their employment status and ability to make a direct monetary contribution to the NHI Fund.
Although, the petition has passed people will still have a chance to give their opinions on the new health insurance system early next year. “The Portfolio Committee headed by Dr Sibongiseni Dlomo will travel across the province to hold hearings with members of the public. This is to know what everyone has to say about NHI then they will report back to Parliament in order for the system to be passed or not,” explained MEC Tsiu.
– Nomaqhawe Mtebele [email protected]
