WC slams NHI funding plans

The Western Cape cabinet has approved comments from the provincial Health Department expressing strong objections to the draft governance regulations relating to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Fund, published for public comment by the National Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

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The draft regulations represent the attempted first formal step towards establishing the NHI Fund, effectively centralising all health-care funding under the national government.

While the Western Cape Government supports the constitutional imperative to realise the provision of universal health care, it remains concerned that the NHI model in its current form will weaken existing healthcare systems and reduce the ability of provinces to deliver responsive and accountable services to residents.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

The draft governance regulations provide for detailed matters pertaining to, among other things, the appointment of a board and CEO for the NHI fund.