Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi strongly dismisses false claims about the ANC compromising on the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
In a recent turn of events, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has vehemently dismissed reports suggesting that the African National Congress (ANC) is considering a compromise on the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.
The reports, originating from City Press and its sister publication Rapport, claimed that during the ANC’s first Cabinet Lekgotla of 2025, a proposal would be made to mandate all employees to join medical aid schemes.
This move was purportedly aimed at reducing health insurance costs and alleviating the strain on the public health system.
The publications further insinuated that this proposal was an attempt by the ANC to placate other parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) who have expressed strong objections to the NHI’s implementation.
In response, Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale stated, “The Minister and the Department of Health want to place on record that there is no such plan that will be proposed to the Cabinet Lekgotla.”
He added, “These allegations are both unfounded and ridiculous. There is no such plan from either the ANC nor from government. Any insinuation thereto is the figment of the imagination of either the author of the article or his unknown sources.”
Minister Motsoaledi took particular issue with the headline suggesting that the ANC intends to force medical schemes to become cheaper. He remarked, “It is now an uncontested fact that private health care costs are escalating at a rate that is likely to collapse the sector.
” Highlighting recent increases, he noted that some medical aids have raised their subscriptions by up to 10%, with the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) going up to 13%.”However,” he continued, “even people with a rudimentary knowledge of private health care will know that forcing medical aids to be cheaper is not a solution to this problem. In fact, it would be dumb for anyone to suggest that.”
The Minister expressed concern over what he perceives as persistent disinformation surrounding the NHI.
He stated, “The recent reporting on NHI represents nothing but an onslaught by some sections of the media on NHI which clearly is aimed at adding confusion and discrediting NHI in the eyes of the public.”
This is not the first time Motsoaledi has had to defend the NHI against criticism. In September 2024, he dismissed claims that the NHI would cost R1.3 trillion, describing such calculations as “mathematical trickery” designed to turn the public against the initiative.
He emphasized that quality healthcare does not necessarily equate to expensive healthcare and pointed out that some charges in private healthcare are significantly inflated.
The NHI has been a contentious topic within the GNU Cabinet as well. In October 2024, disagreements over the NHI led to a heated exchange between ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA) Ministers.
The main point of contention was a target set in the medium-term development plan to phase out medical aids by 2029.
Insiders reported that tempers flared during the meeting, with Minister Motsoaledi having to be called to order after a particularly intense exchange.
Adding to the debate, the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) proposed making it mandatory for all formally employed South Africans to have health insurance. This proposal aims to expand coverage and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system.
However, Minister Motsoaledi stated that he was only aware of this proposal through media reports and emphasized that no such proposal had been formally presented to the government.
He reiterated that the government’s focus is on implementing universal health coverage for the benefit of all South Africans, especially the poor, and not for the interests of businesses.
The ongoing debates and differing proposals highlight the complexities involved in overhauling South Africa’s healthcare system.
As the ANC prepares for its upcoming Cabinet Lekgotla, all eyes will be on the decisions made regarding the NHI and the future of healthcare in the country.
Minister Motsoaledi’s strong dismissal of the alleged compromise indicates the government’s commitment to the original vision of the NHI, despite the challenges and criticisms it faces.
In conclusion, while various stakeholders continue to voice their opinions and concerns, the Department of Health remains steadfast in its pursuit of implementing the NHI as planned.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this ambitious healthcare reform and its impact on all South Africans.
