DA WC calls on public comment on NHI Bill

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape urges members of the public to vigorously interrogate and comment on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill. Opportunities for public comment will close on 29 November 2019. The enactment of the Bill holds major threats to both the public and private healthcare sectors.

MPP Wendy Philander joined Benito Vergotine on The Honest Truth, listen to the conversation here: DA WC calls on public comment on NHI Bill

“The enactment will centralize financing and decision making of health care services of both public and private facilities which will delay the processes within the healthcare system as well as complicate accountability in the event of compromised healthcare service delivery,” MPP Wendy Philander said.

“The Western Cape Department of Health, despite several challenges, has been the forerunner in providing universal health coverage which aims to provide affordable quality care to all citizens without compromising supplementary services of the private healthcare sector. The department’s successes has already been evident as the province has the highest life expectancy rate in South Africa,” MPP Philander added.

It is very important that we realize how the intended National Health Insurance will affect the availability of future care.  

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape will fight this Bill tooth and nail to ensure that this does not become another failed, or even deadly, state-owned enterprise. We remain committed to ensuring quality healthcare provision for all South Africans.