Godongwana wants legal challenges to NHI to be settled out of court

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said he wants legal challenges to the National Health Insurance (NHI) to be settled out of court.

He’s taken a swipe at medical associations that are challenging the introduction of the act, saying the move will further delay universal access to healthcare.

During debate on the medium-term budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Godongwana also blamed the Jacob Zuma administration for squandering money he said could have been used to improve the health and education sectors.

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On Tuesday, the House approved a Special Appropriation Bill to meet the shortfall required to maintain the country’s HIV/AIDS testing and treatment programmes following the withdrawal of donor support from the United States.

There are at least five pending cases in the High and Constitutional courts to challenge the NHI Act.

But Godongwana believes solutions can be found to address the concerns of medical associations that have launched the cases.

“The interesting thing is that protagonists in court proclaim that they support universal coverage and access. It is my submission that these parties must meet, and craft a settlement.”

Godongwana said the current administration is not to blame for the challenges being faced by the health and education sectors.

“Under Zuma, both education and health lost R243 billion to fund state-captured state-owned enterprises.”

Godongwana said it’s untrue that government is not employing graduate doctors, with at least 300 appointments made in KwaZulu-Natal.