News Desk | NHI

President says government learned from COVID looting, and promises that the NHI will be different

22 May 2024,  11:30
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured that the National Health Insurance (NHI) will not be plagued by the same corruption that marred the R500-billion Covid-19 relief fund. Reflecting on past mistakes, Ramaphosa acknowledged the rampant corruption during the pandemic but emphasized that the government has learned valuable lessons. Speaking in an interview on Radio 702, the President noted that while preventive measures are in place, those intent on stealing will always seek loopholes, requiring ongoing vigilance against corruption.

The COVID-19 relief efforts in South Africa saw extensive fraud, with funds misappropriated and procurement processes manipulated. Ramaphosa admitted errors in the handling of personal protective equipment procurement, which led to widespread exploitation.

Critics fear the NHI, with its substantial funding requirements estimated between R200 billion to R1 trillion, could face similar issues. The NHI will centralize healthcare service purchasing under the government's control, raising concerns about potential corruption.

Despite these concerns, officials like Health Minister Joe Phaahla and NHI Deputy Director-General Nicholas Crisp remain optimistic. They argue that the NHI can be managed effectively, akin to successful entities like the South African Medical Research Council. They contend that it is premature to label the NHI as corrupt before it is operational, promising stringent measures against fraud and corruption.

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