Health Minister Motsoaledi defends NHI.

By: Sthulile Mdlesthe

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi continues to defend the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The NHI is a proposal for universal health coverage for all South Africans, aimed at affording citizens equal rights to access comprehensive healthcare services free of charge at the point of care in accredited health facilities. The initiative is intended to address healthcare inequality and ensure that all South Africans, regardless of income, can receive necessary medical treatment.

However, several political parties and organisations have voiced concerns over the plan, and they argue that the NHI could lead to the same levels of corruption and mismanagement that have plagued state-owned enterprises such as Eskom, South African Airways (SAA), and local government institutions.

Motsoaledi, however, insists that quality healthcare is a constitutional right, and he remains committed to seeing the NHI through.

The plan includes the construction of new hospitals, the hiring of 9,300 additional healthcare workers, and measures to ensure greater access to essential medicines.

Motsoaledi has emphasised that the NHI is a long-term solution aimed at improving the overall health system, promoting equity, and reducing the financial burden on the public.