Ramaphosa’s health promises face Budget test

BESTMED Medical Scheme said tomorrow's National Budget must back government's health commitments with meaningful funding, warning that pressure on the healthcare system continues to intensify.

- NICOLA MAWSON

The scheme’s comments follow health-related pledges made by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month during his State of the Nation Address, during which he outlined plans for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and prevention.

Ramaphosa said government would undertake “substantial investment in health infrastructure, prioritising the construction and revitalisation of academic hospitals”.

The president also highlighted expanded prevention efforts, including the rollout of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention and campaigns to ensure every girl aged nine to 15 receives the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

Bestmed CEO and principal officer Leo Dlamini said these priorities were encouraging, particularly given longstanding challenges in the public health sector.