Ramaphosa puts NHI implementation on ice pending litigation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) on hold, pending a Constitutional Court ruling on legal challenges to the legislation.

It has been nearly two years since Ramaphosa signed the NHI into law, a measure aimed at providing universal, free, and equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.

Several organisations have launched legal challenges against the act, with the Constitutional Court expected to hear the matter in May.

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The applications stem from challenges brought by the board of healthcare funders and the Western Cape government, who are asking the court to declare the NHI's public participation process constitutionally flawed.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president has opted to await the outcome of the legal showdown before proceeding with implementing the act.

"The Department of Health has indicated that preparatory work has been ongoing, such as the improvement of health services, before any sections of the NHI Act are ready for commencement. The undertaking by the president will not affect the timetable for the implementation of the NHI."

Government adds that it remains committed to implementing the NHI despite ongoing legal challenges to the legislation.

Magwenya said that this does not signal any abandonment of the NHI.

"Government remains committed to the national health insurance and will work within the requirements of the law and judicial process to ensure that there is no undue delay."