Health funding bill addresses Pepfar withdrawal

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godongwana says the Special Adjustment Bill underscores the need for self-sufficiency and the need to move with speed in addressing universal health access through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Godongwana said on Tuesday that the court cases challenging the NHI will delay implementation of the legislation.

He noted that both protagonists in the court action proclaim they support universal coverage and access.

“It is my submission that these parties must meet and craft a settlement. We want to move ahead with implementation of NHI,” he said.

Godongwana made this statement in response to the debate during which the National Assembly passed the Special Appropriation Bill, aimed at addressing the funding gap created by the withdrawal of the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).

Tabling his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement late last night, Godongwana allocated an additional R750.4 million to the Department of Health.

A total of R590.4m has been allocated for provinces through the District Health Programme grant for the comprehensive HIV component and R130.2m for the South African Medical Research Council for critical research.