NHI Bill is vulnerable to corruption, say DA and EFF
THE EFF and DA have warned the government that the National Health Insurance system may be crippled by corrupt politicians and public servants who may want to steal from it.
This comes as the government is expected to pump billions of rand into a single fund to run the universal health coverage programme.
While President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday met with global leaders (The Elders), who include former prime minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland and ex-president of Chile Ricardo Lagos, in Cape Town to brief them on the NHI, opposition parties said the lack of checks and balances in the NHI Bill would prevent serious consequence management for those involved in corruption.
“I don’t think there is any doubt we need universal health coverage. But you need to compare apples with apples. Norway has 4% unemployment and Chile has 6% unemployment,” said Lindy Wilson of the DA, adding that in South Africa unemployment was at 29% and the tax base was getting smaller.
Wilson also said the healthcare system was in a state of collapse, with accruals and huge medical claims.
She was responding to comments made by Lagos and Brundtland, who said corruption should not be the reason used not to implement NHI, and that the system would also benefit many poor people.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize also pointed out that investigating agencies such as the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit and the Financial Intelligence Centre would be roped in to fight corruption.
But EFF MP Naledi Chirwa pointed out that South Africa still had to deal with the challenges of corruption.
“In South Africa, we have a problem where people steal and there is no accountability. The challenge is corruption, and it’s so intense. I am tempted to say we must budget for corruption,” said Chirwa.
Brundtland said parliamentarians had to ensure there were mechanisms to deal with corruption in the NHI Bill.
“It’s a fact that investing in health promotes economic growth. It will boost your economy and help your country move forward,” said Brundtland. The NHI system is part of what you need to do; clean up your system and move into a new era – and it will boost your economy as well.”
Mkhize said commissions of inquiry would unravel a lot of corruption and action would be taken.