BHF360° | DECEMBER 2021
Based on the inputs and presentations made to the Portfolio Committee on Health, it can be inferred that people are unsure if the Bill in its current form will achieve the objectives of universal health coverage.
What do people support, what are they concerned about? Vishal Brijlal Senior Director; Clinton Health Access Initiative
H
ealth forms an integral part of any country’s development plan. South Africa is committed to providing universal health coverage (UHC) for all South Africans, enabling them to build good, healthy lives for themselves, and empowering vulnerable populations.
legislative body; as such, Parliament has a crucial role to play in upholding the Constitution. Dr Frene Ginwala, former speaker of the National Assembly, said, “Parliament is the custodian of democratic values and the legitimacy of Parliament is based on the will of the people.”
Section 44(1) of the Constitution establishes Parliament as the national
Since the National Health Insurance Bill was introduced to Parliament in
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B O A R D O F H E A LT H C A R E F U N D E R S
August 2019, the Portfolio Committee on Health (PCH) has embarked on a process of obtaining public comment and inputs on the bill and has received in excess of 100 000 written submissions. The Bill seeks to fulfil South Africa’s commitment to the right to access affordable health services through the creation of the NHI fund (and associ-
