Health Minister Joe Phaahla last night repudiated Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s assertion on social media, in which the ANC chairperson alluded in a video clip that after the May 29 elections, all patients, with or without a medical aid facility, would access “any private or public hospital for the best treatment, and the government will pay your bill”.
Phaahla was addressing a packed auditorium on the government’s readiness to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI) at the Black Business Council (BBC) Summit at the Radisson Hotel OR Tambo Hotel, Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
Standing ovation
Lesufi had earlier in the day opened the summit, where he commended the BBC for hosting the conference.
Lesufi, in a video that has gone viral, is heard telling his audience that after the upcoming elections, all would be entitled to receive specialised free healthcare in private and public hospitals or clinics, with the government footing the bill.
“This law (NHI) says the government would pay the bill… and that is why we say you must vote for the ANC,” Lesufi is heard saying this in IsiZulu.
Lesufi received a standing ovation from his audience, with many ululating and clapping hands in anticipation of “free medical services” from both private and public facilities.
However, the health minister poured cold water on the excitement and Lesufi’s declaration, clarifying the matter.
Quoted out of context
He said what Lesufi is quoted as saying in the video clip would happen after the national and provincial elections, “far down the line, probably in three years or more”.
“The clip by the premier has been taken out of context. The NHI is not going to happen overnight, but only in about three years’ time, around 2027,” said Phaahla.
He said once the “the act had been proclaimed” for the implementation of the NHI, there would still be a huge task ahead for the government to cross, which would include the setting up of a board and the appointment of a CEO.
“Once the act had been passed, it was placed on the president’s desk. The president is still looking for a pen to sign the bill into an act, and this is because the president is legally bound to apply his mind,” he said.
Phaahla said the government is committed to building resilient health facilities and that the NHI discussion has been under discussion for several years.
“We need equity and to close a gap in terms of equality and the access of good healthcare service to all our people,” said Phaahla.
