There has been significant backlash to the signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill from the medical fraternity, trade unions and even some political parties who called it an electioneering ploy given that the scheme is unworkable and unaffordable in its current format.
One of the biggest issues critics have with the NHI Bill is the future role of medical schemes and private health care once the scheme is fully implemented. The act states medical schemes will not be able to provide cover for services that are paid for by the NHI.
There are a number of organisations which have announced that they plan to challenge the bill in court including the Health Funders Association, the SA Medical Association, the SA Health Professionals Collaboration, Solidarity and the DA.
Speaking on behalf of medical schemes at a recent symposium, the Health Funders Association stressed that schemes were not against universal health care, but rather the single-payer system NHI plans to implement.
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