‘Getting a gold tooth cap’: South Africans have ‘big plans’ after NHI signing [VIDEOS]

Mediclinic and Netcare trended on social media on Wednesday afternoon as thousands of South African users playfully expressed an interest in making use of private hospitals – just to try out the food or receive treatment for “fake headaches”.

This in the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa signing into effect the controversial landmark healthcare legislation, the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, on Wednesday.

The bill directs the transformation of South Africa’s healthcare system to achieve government’s plans for universal coverage for health services.

Watch: The NHI Act is signed, not what?

The signing was met with disappointment, concern and dismay, as well as with an avalanche of separate legal challenges expected to follow the signing.

WATCH: ‘NHI bill driving fear into hearts of some white people’ – Ramaphosa

Mzansi weighs in on NHI: ‘Buffet at Netcare’

True to South African style, most posts on X (formerly Twitter) were comedic in nature.

Thokozane Moloka posted “Me, next to Sandton Mediclinic” accompanied by a video of a woman pretending to be hit by a car and writhing in pain.

Chris Excel posted “Me at NetCare after Ramaphosa signs that NHI Bill” with a video of a man helping himself to an enormous plate of food at a special event.

The user also posted: “Me and my friend Xavier at Netcare waiting for our gold teeth…after Ramaphosa signs that bill”, which also drew hundreds of likes and retweets.

Others posted videos of people dancing with text alluding to how they would act upon entering private hospitals for the first time.

ALSO READ: Disappointment, concern and court after Ramaphosa decides to sign NHI Bill

Counting the cost

Some users, however, took the opportunity to repeat the criticism many health associations, non-governmental groups, political parties, and legal associations have made of the bill.

This primary centres around the unconstitutionality of the bill and severe financial strain it will have on taxpayers.

X user Lucky said, “This is sad for us working class…we are going to pay for them and become the poorest of the poor with @MYANC“.

Akani posted: “So everyone who’s working will have to pay R11 500 per month for the #NHI”, and added concerned emojis.