During the recent national election debate, Parks Tau sparked strong reactions by dismissing criticism of the R200 billion National Health Insurance (NHI) proposal as “resistance” from health care users of private health services, which would effectively be subsidized by the State. This sparked a contentious exchange where Health Minister Joe Phaahla confirmed, in a written parliamentary response, that medical tax credits would be revoked to fund the NHI.
Tau, representing the ANC at the debate, reiterated that the one-fund system would be implemented if President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the NHI bill passed by parliament last December. According to him, this legislation aims to guarantee equitable access to quality health care for all.
Tau highlighted the existence of a two-tier healthcare system in South Africa – public and private. He emphasized that the public system was under pressure while the private system was more developed. He also pointed out that even those with private health insurance benefited from a tax rebate from the state, thus subsidizing their access to the private health system.
Stressing that quality health care should not be reserved for those who can afford the cost, Tau stated, “As we seek to implement National Health Insurance, we understand that there will be resistance, as some would like to protect what they already have. But we have the majority of this country’s population in mind first and foremost.”
Siviwe Gwarube, speaking on behalf of the Democratic Alliance (DA), acknowledged the two-tier health system and highlighted the struggles faced by the poorest populations in South Africa within the failing health system. Gwarube also criticized the illegal spending on “bicycle ambulances” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Floyd Shivambu, vice president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), called for adopting a preventative health system, similar to Cuba’s, to ensure universal access to care. He criticized the current South African system, labeling it as an “inpatient system” where people wait until they get sick before seeking treatment.
Mzamo Buthelezi, vice-president of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), advocated for keeping state intervention at a distance from the private sector, emphasizing the right of every South African to choose where they want to be treated.
Athol Trollip, Action SA’s premier candidate for the Eastern Cape province, proposed a partnership between the public and private health systems to enhance healthcare provision. He also highlighted the importance of public representatives and MPs utilizing public health facilities to improve them.
In conclusion, the debate on the South African health system showcases differing opinions on enhancing access and quality of care for all citizens. The various political actors expressed diverse viewpoints, underscoring the need to find a balance between public and private health systems to ensure effective and equitable health coverage for all.
For more information on this topic, you can read the relevant articles:
1. ANC’s message to medical aid users: Stop resistance to R200bn NHI plan