BUSA urges Ramaphosa to hold off on signing NHI Bill into law
Business Unity South Africa has implored the president to send the controversial NHI Bill back to Parliament for re-evaluation and amendments, saying it could spell disaster for the country's health system in its current form.
SA's NHI Bill not properly thought through, says doctors' forum Picture: Pexels
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s business fraternity said it will consider taking legal action against President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government should he push ahead with the highly contested National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) urged the president to send the controversial NHI bill back to Parliament for re-evaluation and amendments, saying it could spell disaster for the country's health system in its current form.
The NHI Bill was passed by the National Council of Provinces in late 2023, and sent on to Ramaphosa to be signed into law.
Government has stood firm in its support for the bill, brushing off warnings that it undermines universal healthcare instead of advancing its progress.
The bill has also been sharply criticised by doctors, health facility providers, and health insurance companies.
BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia said while the origination did not oppose equal access to quality universal healthcare, the bill in its current form could result in a mass exodus of doctors from South Africa.
At the same time, private sector interests will likely take the government to court if it goes ahead.
As a crucial general election looms this year, many have questioned the haste in implementing the NHI legislation.