PRINCIPAL Officer of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), Dr Guni Goolab, has outlined five reasons why the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) will provide value to the South African healthcare system.
‘As we work towards the implementation of NHI, it is inevitable that change on this scale may seem like a daunting prospect, and so it is essential to keep in mind the favourable changes we as a nation are aspiring to achieve.
‘The immense value that universal health coverage brings to a society is reflected by the fact that it is now included in the new Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve lives worldwide for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all,’ Dr Goolab said.
He says the five benefits for universal health care are:
Remove health-related barriers to education
Children who have undiagnosed and untreated health problems or disabilities, including visual impairment or hearing difficulties, do not receive the full benefits of education.
‘With improved access to testing and healthcare solutions to address barriers to learning, children will be better equipped to take advantage of opportunities and unlock their true potential,’ Dr Goolab said.
Give greater effect to the right to healthcare
The right to access healthcare is enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights, however the inequality that currently exists between private and public healthcare means that the private sector is priced out of the reach of most South Africans, while public healthcare faces challenges in providing access to quality care for the majority.
Promote equality
Access to quality healthcare should be determined by an individual’s need rather than their ability to pay for expensive health services. As such, the NHI will provide healthcare to everyone, whether they are employed or unemployed, and will be free at the point of service.
Stimulate the economy for inclusive growth
Once universal health coverage is entrenched, health-related barriers to education and productivity will be greatlybe reduced and allow more South Africans to become economically active. Greater emphasis on preventative healthcare will help to keep South Africa’s workforce productive for longer, and socio-economic challenges will also be addressed through aspects of poverty prevention inherent in universal health coverage.
Improve social security
‘At present vulnerable groups such as the elderly and poor marginalised communities bear the brunt of the current inequitable health system. The NHI is likely to prioritise the healthcare needs of these sectors of society so that they are protected and empowered.
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