Storm builds over signing of NHI Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a torrent of opposition from health professional groups, political parties and business after he signs the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law today.
Solidarity, the DA, the Health Funders Association, the SA Medical Association, the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the SA Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC) are just some of the bodies that have indicated they are prepared to approach the courts to challenge the Bill which aims to provide universal health cover for all South Africans.
The Daily Maverick reports that the signing of the NHI Bill looks set to be a gigantic payday for the government’s lawyers – though it is as yet unclear if some of the aggrieved parties may join forces to contest the legislation together or as friends of the court.
News24 reports that Ramaphosa yesterday slammed 'well-to-do, rich people' who criticise his decision to sign the Bill into law.
'We cannot, and must not, go on with the new SA when we still have inequality in some areas of life - and healthcare, which is the most important area of life for anyone, is one area where we need equality. And, believe you me, we are going to have equality, whether people like it or not,' he said.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
