South Africa’s Ramaphosa signs Health Bill into law
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law, the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI). The signing ceremony took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on May 15.
This forms part of government efforts to transform the country’s healthcare system and provide equal and universal coverage for health services.
The President’s signage will make the law fully enacted.
The NHI Bill was passed by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in 2023. The bill aims to provide free healthcare for all South African citizens regardless of which health facility they choose to use.
President Ramaphosa during his speech at the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February said that work was underway to improve healthcare quality and access in the country
According to the South African Government News Agency, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028, the government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities,” he was quoted.
Delivery areas including healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention are key to the ministry to ensure smooth implementation of the bill.
