Healthcare coalition proposes alternative to NHI: 'It can be implemented now'

John Perlman interviews Doctor Aslam Dasoo, Steering Committee Member of the Universal Healthcare Access Coalition (UHAC).

Listen below:

The Universal Healthcare Access Coalition (UHAC) is advocating for a proposal to reform South Africa’s healthcare system, offering an alternative to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

Dasoo highlights that the key issues facing the country's healthcare system are poor governance and an unregulated private healthcare sector.

At the core of proposed reforms is a mixed funding model, combining medical scheme contributions and general taxes.

It includes contributory insurance for higher-income households and tax-funded, free services for the poor.

Dasoo describes the proposal as aiming for 'seamless funding of all healthcare'.

However, he emphasises the need to improve governance in the public system and implement regulation in the private sector to enhance cost-efficiency and promote equity.

"This plan can be implemented now. It doesn't require any more money. It requires no major legislative changes."

- Aslam Dasoo, Steering Committee Member – Universal Healthcare Access Coalition

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