Current:Home > NewsA new South Africa health law aims at deep inequality, but critics say they’ll challenge it-InfoLens
A new South Africa health law aims at deep inequality, but critics say they’ll challenge it
View Date:2024-12-23 10:44:49
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday signed into law a bill that aims to overhaul the healthcare system to address deep inequality, but it faces legal challenges from critics.
The law introduces what is known as National Health Insurance, which will provide funds for all South Africans to access private healthcare. Currently, 80% of the population relies on strained state-run public health services while about 16% has access to private healthcare through medical aid plans.
The country’s unemployment rate is 32.9%, with most of the Black majority population unable to afford private healthcare. Public health facilities often have long lines and medicine shortages.
According to Ramaphosa, the aim of the National Health Insurance is to provide access to quality health care for all and integrate the health system.
“In its essence, the National Health Insurance is a commitment to eradicate the stark inequalities that have long determined who in our country receives adequate healthcare and who suffers from neglect,” he said.
Opposition parties accuse Ramaphosa of using the law as a campaign strategy by announcing it nearly two weeks before much anticipated elections.
The May 29 vote is expected to be one of the country’s most highly contested. Ramaphosa’s ruling African National Congress faces the possibility of receiving less than 50% of the vote for the first time since it came into power in 1994.
Concerns have also been raised about the affordability of the law and possible tax increases to fund it.
The official opposition Democratic Alliance said Wednesday it would legally challenge the new law.
Civil society group AfriForum has also announced plans to challenge the constitutionality of the law, while some business forums have described it as unworkable and unaffordable.
The Health Funders Association, an organization representing stakeholders involved in funding private healthcare, said it would take significant time before the plan comes into effect.
“There will be no immediate impact on medical scheme benefits and contributions, nor any tax changes. The HFA is well prepared to defend the rights of medical scheme members and all South Africans to choose privately funded healthcare, where necessary,” spokesman Craig Comrie said.
Others have welcomed the law.
Dr. Cedric Sihlangu, general secretary of the South African Medical Association Trade Union, said it has long advocated for reforms that “significantly improve patient care and access to health services.”
___
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Falling scaffolding plank narrowly misses pedestrians at Boston’s South Station
- 'Big Brother' 2023 schedule: When do Season 25 episodes come out?
- Lizzo responds to lawsuit from former dancers, denies weight shaming, assault allegations
- 83 attendees at the World Scout Jamboree treated for heat-related illnesses in South Korea
- The Cowboys, claiming to be 'all in' prior to Dak Prescott's injury, are in a rare spot: Irrelevance
- Trump indictment portrays Pence as crucial figure in special counsel's case
- Ukraine says Russia hits key grain export route with drones in attack on global food security
- Leah Remini files lawsuit against Church of Scientology after 'years of harassment'
- Powerball winning numbers for November 11 drawing: Jackpot hits $103 million
- Former Maryland college town mayor pleads guilty to child sex abuse material charges
Ranking
- Summer I Turned Pretty's Gavin Casalegno Marries Girlfriend Cheyanne Casalegno
- Man arrested after attacking flight attendant with 'sharp object' on plane: Police
- EMT charged with stealing money from 'patient' in sting operation
- Lizzo's former documentary director slams singer as 'narcissistic bully' amid lawsuit
- 'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
- NTSB: Pilot’s medical clearance had been renewed a month before crash landing
- Iowa kicker Aaron Blom accused of betting on Hawkeyes football game
- 2 US Navy sailors arrested for allegedly spying for China
Recommendation
-
Elton John Details Strict Diet in His 70s
-
Two-time World Cup champion Germany eliminated after 1-1 draw with South Korea
-
Museum in New York state returns remains of 19 Native Americans to Oneida Indian Nation
-
Father drowns to death while saving his 3 kids from river
-
Reese Witherspoon's Daughter Ava Phillippe Introduces Adorable New Family Member
-
Family pleads for help in search for missing Georgia mother of 4
-
Lizzo Breaks Silence on False and Outrageous Lawsuit Allegations
-
Topical steroid withdrawal is controversial. Patients say it's real and feels 'like I'm on fire.'