The Gauteng Public Hearings on the National Health Insurance Bill concludes today in the City of Ekurhuleni at the Germiston City Hall. The FIA was represented at all four of the public hearings which was held in Gauteng over the past four days. Andre Jacobs a representative from the FIA Healthcare Executive Committee presented at the public hearings and shared some of the key messages from our full submission on NHI at these sessions.
Please read his statement at today’s session below:
Sanibonani, Good evening, Goeie naand.
I represent the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa.
We appreciate the opportunity to address the PCoH and will briefly touch on one aspect of our submission in this public hearing. Public comment about the NHI seems to imply that the South African economy can’t afford NHI, and that the NHI proposals will not meet the constitutional muster. Furthermore, it is said that the proposed NHI is not reasonable. If successful, these detracting positions will delay the transformation of our healthcare system. It will prolong the suffering of South Africans that make use of the public system and will extend the exploitation of those in the private sector.
Our proposed solution is a co-existence between the public and private sectors. This proposal is realistic, given our unique burden of disease and economic position. We believe that this proposal has a high probability of acceptance and a lesser chance of delaying the process of improving firstly the healthcare system, and secondly, the health of our nation.
The FIA members serve the needs of millions of people on private medical schemes, primary care products and health insurance products. We are actively involved in finding solutions for the employed but uninsured portion of the population. We have seen the devastating impact that ill health has on the economy and the members we serve. As such, it is in our hands to jointly own the health crisis in this country, and to constructively engage in finding realistic, sustainable solutions.
FIA also asked to appear formally in front of the Portfolio Committee on Health, to formally present our complete views.
Sisonke masisebenzele kwi-South Africa enempilo! Let’s work together for a healthier SA.
Dankie, Siyabonga, Thank you
