On 17 Feb Business Day reported: “Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has gazetted an interim block exemption covering Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) and non-PMBs, permitting healthcare funders to bypass certain provisions of the Competition Act.
In reaction to this step, Wits governance professor Alex van den Heever, who collaborated closely with the HMI, states that simply capping prices in the private health system is inadequate. Business Day (19 Feb 2025).
“The HMI identified supplier-induced demand as a significant issue, suggesting that price controls will have a minimal impact if broader regulatory interventions are overlooked.
The proposal strays from the HMI’s recommendation for an independent price regulator, says Van den Heever.
“Under the current plan, the official responsible for overseeing tariffs would be appointed by the Health Department, raising concerns about possible political interference.”