Introduction

South Africa started building the long walk to freedom and democracy after the immense stimulating elections in 1994, which meant bridging the gap caused by apartheid. Though South Africa is a diverse country facing the inequality dilemma, the government has dedicated their utmost to making sure that it can bridge the inequality gaps.  

The constitution of South Africa has undergone significant reform to ensure that all residents have access to all government and private services they may need. This means also changing the National Insurance Policy to introduce universal health coverage. To lay a foundation for all South Africans to have access to free medical health effectively and sustainably. The ruling government must give access to all services to society regardless of class and income. 

What does universal health coverage mean to low-class citizens:

Currently, low-class citizens are congested in the small, poor clinics and hospitals that are under-resourced and often understaffed. Some people would sit on the cold, hard benches the whole day just to be turned away without getting any professional help. They would only dream of private health assistance with air-conditioners, soft couches and someone to assist them at their chosen time. 

The South African National Health Insurance (NHI) will provide South Africans with medical aid (health insurance) or those in lower income categories with more equitable access to healthcare services. They will be able to visit private doctors and use private facilities. The cost of care will be divided more fairly under the NHI; it is also claimed that public hospitals and healthcare services will receive better funding.

What it means to the citizens who have medical aid:

This means the medical payers must settle for the same privileges as non-payers. The NHI has stated that the funding will be collected, estimated to be 500 billion annually. This interesting phrase is commonly used to manipulate the minds of society as they are doing a “collective action” to help other citizens willingly. However, South Africans in a particular income group will carry the heavy burden of paying high taxes and be required to make mandatory monthly payments for healthcare in the name of “collecting”. 

The grey areas of Universal health coverage:

The Bill still needs to be clarified on how the funds will be collected without adding salt to the bleeding income of the middle and high class. What will happen to medical assistance programs? Section 33 of the bill, which specifies the function of medical aid programs, could be interpreted to suggest that these programs will cease to exist.

Conclusion

The idea of a national health insurance system and universal access to healthcare are significant ideas that directly connect to fundamental human rights and are, thus, honourable and necessary. But in reality, ideals frequently fall short of expectations. The NHI bill is the same. The bill and its execution have drawn several complaints and criticism. The account needs to be planned and considered accordingly.