South Africa’s Health Plan Is a Funding Calamity, Discovery Says
- Bill doesn’t tackle core funding issue: Discovery CEO Gore
- Private sector would be banned from offering certain cover
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South Africa’s ambition to reform its health system through a controversial national insurance plan is irrational in its current form, risks de-stabilizing the tax base and needs the private sector’s help to succeed, according to Adrian Gore, the head of Discovery Ltd.
The National Health Insurance Bill, which aims to provide universal care through a state-run fund, bans the private sector from covering treatment covered under the plan. The proposal was approved last week by a second parliamentary chamber and is now being referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who can either sign it into law or request lawmakers to amend it.