The NHI Act states that the first phase of the scheme will last from 2023 to 2026. (Rosetta Msimango/Spotlight) Moves are afoot to set up the NHI's basic structures, including its board. However, experts say the scheme remains a pipe-dream, doomed to the same fate as Gauteng's aborted e-tolls project.
Spotlight outlines three possible scenarios for how the NHI may pan out over the coming years. The first draft regulations linked to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act should be published for public comment this month, according to the government's NHI lead, Dr Nicholas Crisp. These regulations, Crisp told Spotlight, relate to sections 12 to 30 of the NHI Act and, once finalised, will "allow for selection, recruitment and appointment of a board.
.. advisory committees and a CEO".
Crisp is the deputy director-general in the Department of Health responsible for NHI implementation. Crisp says the draft regulations will be available for public comment for three months and form the first step in "setting up" the NHI, which is intended to function like a large state-run medical insurance scheme that will cover everyone across the country. Yet, even as the health department lays the groundwork for the project, there are indications that compromise over the NHI may also be possible.
In recent weeks, President Cyril Ramaphosa and other senior government officials met with business leaders, who want the NHI Act amended. READ | Mandatory health insurance for SA is an 'upgrade' on NHI, .