Pressure mounts over NHI

Association sees meeting with the president as a positive step, says chair.

- Ina Opperman

The demand for transparency around the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act is intensifying as there are still many unanswered questions.

These include how it will be funded and where the health professionals to render the health care services will come from.

Craig Comrie, chair of the Health Funders Association (HFA), said: "The NHI Act is more than a mere piece of legislation.

It is a test of constitutional rights and the nation's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society." He said the HFA welcomed the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Business Unity South Africa (Busa) to discuss the NHI last week as a positive step.

"As a member of Busa, we find it encouraging that the minister and deputy minister, along with other senior officials, were part of this constructive and forward-looking discussion," said Comrie.