Discovery chief executive Adrian Gore has told Business Day that the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) system is “a moral imperative” for the country that he supports fully, although he said it would require careful implementation to ensure its long-term fiscal sustainability.
“A well-functioning NHI is necessary and morally correct, as we need to address unacceptable levels of inequality and ensure access to quality care,” Business Day quoted Gore as saying.
“Discovery is supportive of the NHI and will use its capabilities and resources to assist.”
Gore told the newspaper that in January Discovery presented Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health with what it believes is a workable model for a sustainable NHI, which proposes an incremental blended funding model that could achieve universal health coverage in a pragmatic and sustainable way.
Through this blended model, the NHI fund would be supported by tax-derived funding and receive a mandatory contribution from citizens who are able to afford it.
“A one-size-fits-all NHI would only be palatable if it provided current levels of medical scheme benefits for all – this would be extremely desirable, but unfortunately unaffordable,” Gore was quoted as saying.
The model proposed by Discovery would not permit private medical scheme members to opt out of funding the NHI but would allow them to purchase additional cover should they wish. Gore said this would leave consumers with some degree of choice, while improving overall healthcare access for all South Africans.
“There is significant risk in limiting medical schemes to offering cover only for services not reimbursable by the NHI [as set out in section 33 of the proposed NHI Bill],” said Gore. “The reality is that employed people currently utilising the private sector via medical aid schemes would only be satisfied if the NHI could deliver care that they would expect relative to what they currently receive.”
Gore said it would be best to follow an incremental approach to NHI that initially sought to provide primary health care for all citizens and then gradually bulk up cover as the economy grows to provide the fiscal leeway to fund the expanded cover.
He emphasised that it would be important for the public and private sector to co-operate to ensure that public health care is better resourced.
“The country does have the capabilities and resources to work towards universal coverage, but this will require time and excellent leadership,” Gore said.
“Our view is that private medical cover can be accommodated alongside the NHI fund as part of a social solidarity framework. We are committed to engaging constructively with policymakers and social partners on implementable and sustainable models to achieve broad and equitable care.”
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Follow the money……….
Not while the ANC is running the show.
So Gore proposes a further tax… is it possible he has been sampling weed in the expectation that this will shortly become a legal substance?
He will find a way to capitalise on this BIG TIME. he knows very well that this system will be a complete failure for all South Africans.