NEHAWU concerned by Ramaphosa's delay in signing NHI Bill into law
The union’s Lwazi Nkolonzi said the president has had ample time to consider the bill and must announce its implementation during his State of the Nation (SONA) address on Thursday.
- National Health Insurance (NHI)
- Cyril Ramaphosa
- National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU)
SA's NHI Bill not properly thought through, says doctors' forum Picture: Pexels
JOHANNESBURG - As criticism mounts over the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, labour union the National, Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) said it’s concerned by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delay in signing the contested legislation into law.
It’s been nearly two months since the bill on universal healthcare landed on the president's desk after it was passed in the National Council of Provinces in December, paving the way for government’s intention to reform South Africa’s healthcare.
This is despite warnings from business leaders who cautioned Ramaphosa not to sign the NHI Bill, threatening legal action should it become law.
READ: NHI Bill: 'Lots of people are going to litigate' - Business for SA
The union’s Lwazi Nkolonzi said the president has had ample time to consider the bill and must announce its implementation during his State of the Nation address on Thursday.
“As NEHAWU we are extremely concerned by this delay by the president, as the bill has gone through extensive debate and scrutiny, this follows almost two decades of refinement, clause-by-clause deliberation and comprehensive public participation processes culminating in it being passed by Parliament.
“Any further delays therefore would be an injustice to the millions of our people who are eagerly awaiting for the introduction of NHI. We call on the president to sign the bill into law and reassure the public through an announcement at the upcoming SONA.”