Top
News Desk | NHI
Health Minister: We are not backing down on NHI
Time to read: 01:24
20 January 2025, 13:45
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has rejected claims that the ANC is altering its stance on the National Health Insurance (NHI), calling such assertions “unfounded and ridiculous.”
While the plan continues to face opposition from various groups, including the DA, who opposes the phasing out of medical aid insurance, in a recent interview Motsoaledi affirmed that there are no current proposals for compromise on its implementation.
Some ANC leaders have suggested converting the NHI into a state medical aid scheme to compete with private schemes, compelling them to lower their premiums. However, senior leaders, including Motsoaledi, have pushed for government funding to be allocated to the NHI in this year’s budget, scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana next month.
Motsoaledi criticized the idea of forcing medical schemes to offer cheaper options, calling it an ineffective solution to rising private healthcare costs. He rejected the notion of low-cost benefit options for medical schemes, arguing that it would create unequal access to care. The NHI’s goal, he stated, is to ensure all health facilities are accessible to all South Africans in an affordable way.
The Minister also expressed frustration with media reports misrepresenting the cost and funding of the NHI, particularly a claim that it would require R1.3 trillion annually. He called such estimates “mathematical hooliganism” and accused certain media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to undermine the NHI.
Last week the ANC’s alliance partner, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), has urged the party to proceed with the implementation of the contentious NHI Act, despite concerns raised by the DA.
This article was compiled from various sources, including:
15 January 2025 | Press Release | Nehawu supports the Minister of Health in defending the full implementation of the National Health Insurance Act
14 January 2025 | Business Day | Motsaledi on the NHI: No Compromise
11 November 2024 | Timelive | Ramaphosa attacks BHF’s choice of court for NHI challenge
Related Stories
11 December 2025 | SA Doctors Propose Patient-Centered Healthcare Reform as NHI Alternatives
21 October 2024 | Ideological rift deepens between DA and ANC over National Health Insurance
Access more in our Special NHI Coverage
Back to top
Disclaimer
This article is compiled from various resources researched and compiled by the contributor. It is in no way presented as an original work. Every effort has been made to correctly attribute quotes and content. Where possible all information has been independently verified. The Medical Education Network bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies which may occur from the use of third-party sources. If you have any queries regarding this article contact us
Fact-checking Policy
The Medical Education Network makes every effort to review and fact-check the articles used as source material in our summaries and original material. We have strict guidelines in relation to the publications we use as our source data, favouring peer-reviewed research wherever possible. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained here is an accurate reflection of the original material. Should you find inaccuracies, out of date content or have any additional issues with our articles, please make use of the contact us form to notify us.
