Alpha Ramushwana15 May 2024 | 15:30

NHI to be implemented in 2 phases - Phaahla

Health Minister Joe Phaahla set out a preliminary timeline for the NHI during the signing of the legislation at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.

NHI to be implemented in 2 phases - Phaahla

Health Minister Joe Phaahla addresses the media at a briefing in Pretoria on 31 May 2023. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Health Minister Joe Phaahla said that the National Health Insurance would be implemented in two phases between 2024 and 2028.
 
He believes government can roll out the first in the next two years.
 
Phaahla set out a preliminary timeline for the NHI during the signing of the legislation at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.

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The health minister said that between now and 2026, their focus would be heavily placed on establishing the institution that would oversee the National Health Insurance.
 
"That first phase is to deal with the establishment of the institution, accelerating and strengthening the health platform and all other basic instruments. Many of those have already started."
 
He said that between 2026 and 2028, government would intensify the rollout to all provinces in the country.

"When it comes to the second phase, it must be more intensive conclusion of actual implementation programmes in terms of contracting of services."
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that by 2030, South Africans will be able to fully enjoy the benefits of NHI.