What SA’s COVID-19 experience tells us about NHI

What SA’s COVID-19 experience tells us about NHI

For all the suffering and death the COVID-19 pandemic has caused over the last 12 months, it has arguably also provided a unique opportunity to test some of the mechanisms behind South Africa’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) system. The centralised procurement of vaccines and the contracting of doctors, for example, are probably not dissimilar from the arrangements we might see under NHI. Kathryn Cleary asks three leading health experts what lessons, for NHI, we should learn from the COVID-19 response.

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OPINION: NHI Bill must still clear many hurdles to ensure adequate medicine access

OPINION: NHI Bill must still clear many hurdles to ensure adequate medicine access

The Health Department’s recent response to submissions and its own recommendations on amendments to the National Health Insurance Bill sadly does not realise the gravity of the threat to the future of medicine selection and access. As the Bill currently stands, it will leave us at the mercy of advisory committees that bear no duty to be transparent in deciding which medicines people will be able to access under NHI, the authors argue.

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Susan Cleary | Let’s be pragmatic – the NHI has constructive and contentious aspects

Susan Cleary | Let’s be pragmatic – the NHI has constructive and contentious aspects

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the NHI Bill into law. The question is whether this will bring South Africa closer towards Universal Health Coverage. Professor Susan Cleary argues that the NHI is a wide ranging reform with both positive and controversial aspects. The key will be to find a middle ground in order to continue on the journey to UHC.

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Corruption and ministerial powers centre stage at NHI hearings

Corruption and ministerial powers centre stage at NHI hearings

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize this week provided an update on investigations into a multimillion-rand NHI communications contract mired in controversy. That same morning, MPs in Parliament were again reminded of how critical an independent National Health Insurance Board will be. One organisation proposed an additional NHI corruption-fighting unit. Alicestine October has the latest from in and outside of Parliament.

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At the heart of the NHI lies fairness: Outgoing chair of parliament’s health committee defends record

At the heart of the NHI lies fairness: Outgoing chair of parliament’s health committee defends record

The chairperson of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Health Dr Kenneth Jacobs played a pivotal role in deliberations on the National Health Insurance Bill. Spotlight’s Biénne Huisman asked Jacobs about some criticisms of NHI and about his plans for life after Parliament.

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Mixed feelings on NHI aired at Eastern Cape hearing

Mixed feelings on NHI aired at Eastern Cape hearing

Concerns around corruption and whether or not there would be health coverage for foreign nationals were two of the top talking points at a recent public hearing on the National Health Insurance Bill held in the Eastern Cape. Luvuyo Mehlwana reports.

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