My door is open to discuss NHI – Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health

Ray White speaks with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa's Minister of Health.

Listen below.

The newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that he will implement the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

The NHI faces significant opposition from political parties and the private sector. It also faces several legal challenges.

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The NHI bill was signed into law before the elections.

However, Motsoaledi says he is open to conversations and negotiations around NHI.

“If people have got any complaints which they want to discuss with me, my doors are open.”

- Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health

One of the biggest questions about NHI is around funding, but the minister says we do have enough money, it is just not being spent correctly.

The World Health Organization recommends spending 5% of GDP on healthcare; South Africa spends around 8.6%.

However, Motsoaledi claims that 51% of this only goes to 14% of the population.

“That is where our problem is, but everyone is dodging it.”

- Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.