‘Parliament’s medical scheme can sink NHI’

“Members of Parliament’s medical aid, Parmed, will have the most to lose following the adoption of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. It is the most comprehensive and expensive medical scheme - with benefits richer than the top options on open medical schemes such as Momentum, Discovery and Fedhealth,” reported Ina Opperman (The Citizen, 8 December 2023).

Lobby groups line up to petition Ramaphosa on NHI Bill

Although the National Assembly spent three-and-a-half years considering the NHI Bill, the NCOP dedicated only six months to it and made no amendments to the draft legislation,” reported Tamar Kahn in Business Live (8 December 2023).

SACMD urged Treasury not to implement more budget cuts

The SA Committee of Medical Deans (SACMD), asked National Treasury to shield the health sector from additional budget reductions, reported Business Day (7 December 2023). According to Lionel Green Thompson, chair of the SACMD, this financial strain “will exacerbate the crisis in SA’s health system and further challenge the country’s ability to train healthcare workers”.

NHI Bill ’unstoppable train’

On 6 December the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, “setting the scene for an intensified pushback from business, healthcare professionals and opposition parties”, reported Business Day (7 December 2023).

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