Ramaphosa reaffirms government's commitment to implementing NHI

African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa says plans for a National Health Insurance (NHI) are not dead in the water as the contested policy continues to stall. 

NHI is still the subject of litigation and pushback from some political parties and the private sector. 

The funding model for NHI also remains unclear, with some MPs expressing reservations about introducing new taxes and surcharges to cover the cost. 

Speaking at COSATU's 40th anniversary at the Dobsonville Stadium in the south of Johannesburg on Sunday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed government's commitment to seeing NHI through. 

READ: Dropping medical tax credits, introducing payroll taxes among Health Dept's proposals for NHI

"So, despite core challenges to the NHI, we must continue to mobilise for the full implementation of universal quality healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of their ability to pay."

Ramaphosa has called for greater efforts in addressing other socioeconomic challenges. 

"Comrades, we will continue to work for progress in our country. We will continue to ensure that we advocate for policies that will increase employment in our country, reduce poverty, and eliminate inequality."