Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
15 August 2024 | 15:00 CAT
2 min read

The Presidential Health Summit Compact Pledge will not be signed following the refusal of several health organisations and Business Unity South Africa to endorse it. While the South African Medical Association (SAMA) remains committed to Universal Health Coverage, it has expressed concerns about the existing National Health Insurance model.

Busa has refused to sign the compact because it explicitly endorses the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act in its current form, which has sparked controversy among business and some political groups.

In an interview with Radio Islam, Professor Ames Dhai, Vice Chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), provided insight into the background of the Presidential Health Compact. Prof. Dhai noted that the initial summit in 2018 aimed to address a severe healthcare crisis by bringing together experts to work towards equitable healthcare for all. Despite progress from that first compact, recent developments have led to a new version of the compact, which was set to be signed today but has now been postponed by a week.

Proffesor Dhai highlighted the sudden shift in focus and the need for further discussions on the compact’s terms.

“We should not be fooled by roadshows. Government needs to over and above the roadshows actually needs to have discussions with stakeholders in this country, who have huge concerns about the NHI being a financial model that would hurt the country,” she said.

Prof. Dhai cautioned that this shift could be harmful to the nation’s health.

“Rather than quality healthcare, it may end up being the opposite. The president needs to go back and fix up the problems in the National Health Insurance Act. Until that is done, he will be met with opposition repeatedly,” she said.

The postponement allows for further discussions to resolve disagreements over the NHI Act’s feasibility and implementation.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Prof. Ames Dhai, Vice Chairperson of SAMA, here.