President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s healthcare transformation.

The NHI aims to provide equal access to healthcare services regardless of social or economic status, addressing existing inequalities in the healthcare system.

“By putting in place a system that ensures equal access to health care regardless of a person’s social and economic circumstances, the NHI takes a bold stride towards a society where no individual must bear an untenable financial burden while seeking medical attention. ” ~ said President Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of social solidarity in funding universal healthcare and highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors. The NHI implementation will be phased, focusing on improving healthcare quality and accessibility.

“The #NHI is an important instrument to tackle poverty. The rising cost of health care makes families poorer. By contrast, health care provided through the NHI frees up resources in poor families for other essential needs. The NHI will make health care in the country as a whole more affordable.”