NHI rules 'premature'

HEALTH FUNDERS BODY: LEGAL STATUS OF DRAFT REGULATIONS UNCLEAR

- Ina Opperman

The National Health Insurance (NHI) regulations that Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi published last week were made in terms of legislation that President Cyril Ramaphosa has not yet proclaimed.

The regulations deal with establishing an ad hoc advisory panel and a board for the NHI.

While Ramaphosa assented to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act in May last year, just before the general election, he has not assented to any parts of the legislation yet.

However, Motsoaledi published the draft governance regulations in terms of sections of the NHI Act.

According to the draft regulations, the minister of health will oversee all key appointments.

Various stakeholders pointed out in parliament that this would be a governance issue, saying that the NHI Fund must be independent to avoid political interference.

The draft regulations also stipulate that the minister will call for nominations to the board of the NHI Fund.