“Instead of driving a wedge between the public and private health sectors, it’s time to address the issues both sectors face,” wrote Foster Mohale in The Citizen (4 September 2024).
“According to the Health Market Inquiry private patients frequently receive unnecessary procedures and medications, undermining the notion that private healthcare is inherently superior.
“On the other hand, the public health system has demonstrated its capability. In the past year alone, over nine million chronic medication parcels were delivered through the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution programme, providing free, safe, and accessible medication to patients. South Africa also runs the world’s most extensive antiretroviral programme, underscoring the public sector’s ability to manage chronic conditions.”
“Concerns about the government’s capacity to maintain treatment for chronic patients under NHI are unfounded. The government already subsidises the private healthcare sector with nearly R100bn annually - R70 bn through employer medical scheme contributions for state workers and over R30bn in tax rebates.
“This funding benefits the privileged, but NHI aims to redistribute resources to serve all citizens fairly. NHI seeks to create a unified healthcare system where resources are pooled to benefit everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.”