EMBATTLED Provincial Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has reiterated that the National Health Insurance (NHI) is the only way to ensure universal health coverage of citizens – regardless of their economic status. Speaking at an NHI road show held at Osizweni Community Hall in Newcastle on Wednesday. Dhlomo said the health financing system is designed to pool funds to provide access to quality, affordable health services for all South Africans based on their health needs, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
“NHI is part of government’s efforts to change the legacy of apartheid, whereby the country had a fragmented health system which had 14 separate health departments and administrations for different populations. We are now one country, and nobody should be discriminated against and excluded from getting access to healthcare due to their socio-economic status. This system seeks to provide access to quality health services for all South Africans based on their health needs and irrespective of their socio-economic status. It represents a substantial policy shift that necessitates massive re-organisation of both public and private health sectors,” said Dhlomo.
The much-anticipated National Health Insurance (NHI) fund came under the spotlight earlier this year during a media conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, to announce the miraculous and groundbreaking operation conducted to separate conjoined twins. The operation, which would have cost millions at a private hospital, was undertaken at no cost to the family. In KwaZulu-Natal NHI is currently being piloted at three districts; Amajuba, Umzinyathi and Umgungundlovu.
Dhlomo further added that the implementation of NHI, is a reflection of the kind of society that Government wants South Africans to live in, one which is based on the values of justice, fairness and social solidarity. It is consistent with the vision that health care should be seen as a social investment and not be subjected to market forces.
“NHI will ensure a more responsive and accountable health system that is likely to improve user satisfaction, lead to a better quality of life of the citizens and improved health outcomes across all socio-economic groups. This will contribute towards improved human capital, labour productivity, economic growth, social stability and social cohesion,” he said.
