Ramaphosa set to finally sign contentious NHI Bill into law 'to bring equality in SA'

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to finally sign the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law on Wednesday.

The Presidency confirmed this will take place at the Union Buildings during a public ceremony.

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When the NHI Bill was passed by the National Assembly in 2023, it was faced with criticism from some political parties, who argued that it would not work in its current form.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) gave a list of 50 reasons why the bill would fail, also citing medical staff shortages in hospitals.

ActionSA urged the president not to sign the bill into law, claiming it would be the second phase of State capture.

DA health spokesperson Michele Clarke says the party is ready to proceed with court action.

“The Minister [of Health Dr Joe Phaahla] has unvetted powers in this Bill where he acts as, you know, the judge and the jury when it comes to appointing boards.”  

ActionSA's Tebogo Mathibane expressed disappointment that Ramaphosa did not consider any objections.

“The proposal is ill-conceived as it will open up healthcare for grand scale corruption as we have seen during the COVID-9 pandemic when billions were lost through PPE [ and related corruption.”

While on a campaign trail for the African National Congress (ANC) last week, Ramaphosa rubbished claims suggesting the NHI reflected government's failure to improve the public healthcare system.

"This is where we are going to deal with one of the last vestiges of apartheid of inequality by bringing about equality in our country."

The business sector has also threatened the State with court action should the bill be signed.