Traditional Leaders Endorse National Health Insurance As A Step Toward Equitable Healthcare

The National Health Insurance (NHI) has received the backing of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (NHTKL), who called it a policy that will help reduce inequality in South Africa's healthcare system.

The NHTKL represents 886 traditional leaders, who oversee 25 million people living in traditional communities across South Africa. As the country's highest authority on traditional leadership, the House expressed support for policies like the NHI, which aimed to improve conditions for disadvantaged communities.

After a two-day meeting with government officials, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, the NHTKL praised Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and his team for their efforts to ensure that all South Africans, no matter their income or job status, have access to quality healthcare.

The NHTKL pointed out that private healthcare facilities often remain underused until patients who can afford their services require care. In contrast, public healthcare facilities could benefit greatly from redirecting funds currently allocated to the private sector.

These funds could also be used to buy more lifesaving equipment, hire additional medical staff, and build more healthcare facilities, which would help reduce the heavy workload on the public health system.

During the meeting, Motsoaledi gave a detailed explanation of the NHI, focusing on how it could provide fair access to healthcare for everyone.

The NHTKL raised concerns about the unequal distribution of healthcare resources, noting that 51% of these resources serve only 14% of the wealthiest population, while the other 86% were left without adequate care.

"Making quality healthcare a reality for the general population will remain a pipedream if 51% of the available resources continue to cater for only 14% of the population. What of the right to quality healthcare for the marginalized 86%?" the NHTKL questioned, Central News reported.

The NHTKL criticized medical aid schemes, saying they focus more on making profits than ensuring fair access to healthcare.

It noted that while the House does not oppose medical aid, its structure prioritizes profit over providing quality healthcare to everyone. The fact that medical aids can choose how much of a valid claim to pay was highlighted as an example of this approach.

The House pointed out that the current voluntary medical aid system left most South Africans without access to the healthcare they needed. It emphasized the importance of universal healthcare as a basic right and described the NHI as a vital step in making that a reality.

The NHTKL noted that the current healthcare system cannot continue as it was and questioned whether South Africa can afford not to adopt the NHI, given the large number of people excluded by the existing system.