Ramaphosa set to finally sign contentious NHI Bill into law 'to bring equality in SA'

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Gloria Motsoere

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to finally sign the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law on Wednesday.

The Presidency confirmed this will take place at the Union Buildings during a public ceremony.

ALSO READ:

- Ramaphosa says NHI will bring about equality in the country

- NHI Bill will be enacted despite misgivings from Parly's opposition benches: Godongwana

- NHI Bill comes under sharp scrutiny again amid plans to fast-track its signing into law

The NHI, which aims to provide equal access to healthcare, has faced objections from opposition parties and the business sector which believe there's not enough money for its implementation.

When the NHI Bill was passed by the National Assembly in 2023, it was faced with criticism from some political parties, who argued that it would not work in its current form.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) gave a list of 50 reasons why the bill would fail, also citing medical staff shortages in hospitals.

ActionSA urged the president not to sign the bill into law, claiming it would be the second phase of State capture.

While on a campaign trail for the African National Congress (ANC) last week, Ramaphosa rubbished claims suggesting the NHI reflected government's failure to improve the public healthcare system.

"This is where we are going to deal with one of the last vestiges of apartheid of inequality by bringing about equality in our country."

The business sector has also threatened the State with court action should the bill be signed.