Top
News Desk | NHI
Healthcare Coalition Rejects NHI as Deeply Flawed and Proposes Alternative Reform Model
Time to read: 01:25
12 February 2025: 14:30
In breaking news, the Universal Healthcare Access Coalition (UHAC) has once again criticised South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, calling it “deeply flawed” and warning that it is financially unfeasible and could undermine healthcare access.
Speaking at a media briefing this morning, the UHAC—which represents 28 healthcare organisations, including the South African Medical Association (SAMA), the Progressive Health Forum, and the South African Private Practitioners Forum—outlined its concerns. The coalition argues that the NHI centralises control without addressing governance failures or bridging inequalities between the public and private sectors.
Read the full breakdown of the coalition’s position here
SA Doctors Propose Patient-Centered Healthcare Reform as NHI Alternatives
SAMA chair Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa reiterated that a single tax-funded system is unsustainable given South Africa’s economic constraints. Instead, the UHAC proposes a mixed funding model that combines medical scheme contributions with restructured taxes to ensure long-term viability.
UHAC member Dr Aslam Dasoo emphasised the need for governance reform, advocating for independent supervisory boards to oversee public healthcare facilities. He argued that this would curb corruption and improve efficiency. The coalition also supports retaining healthcare as a provincial responsibility to keep decision-making closer to service delivery.
The UHAC’s framework suggests pooled funding for equitable resource distribution while decentralising service purchasing to enhance efficiency. It also proposes mandatory medical scheme coverage for higher-income groups, ensuring continued private sector participation under stricter regulation.
Unlike the NHI’s centralised purchasing model, the coalition favours multilateral tariff negotiations and independent regulation to control rising private healthcare costs. UHAC insists that its plan is more financially sustainable and better suited to South Africa’s economic realities.
At the time of publication, the government had yet to respond.
This article was compiled from various sources, including:
12 February 2025 | Polity.org| Healthcare coalition proposes de-politicising healthcare management, says NHI ‘deeply flawed’
12 February 2025 | BusinessTech | There is no Fixing the NHI
Related Stories
6 February 2025 | Confusion reigns: ANC & DA Reach Agreement to Keep Private Medical Aids in the NHI. Or Have They? Evolving Situation
20 January 2025 | Health Minister: We're not backing down on NHI
11 December 2025 | SA Doctors Propose Patient-Centered Healthcare Reform as NHI Alternatives
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.
