Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has acknowledged that there was no legal process that necessitates discussions with affected parties outside of Parliament intended to resolve disputes surrounding NHI.
Image: National Department of Health / Facebook
As President Cyril Ramaphosa delayed the proclamation of the NHI Act pending judgment from the Constitutional Court, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has committed his department to engaging with all stakeholders on the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
However, Motsoaledi acknowledged that there was no legal process that necessitated discussions with affected parties outside of Parliament intended to resolve disputes surrounding the ambitious initiative aimed at achieving universal health access.
“The implementation of the National Health Insurance is guided by the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act, 2023, which Parliament duly passed following extensive public participation and legislative scrutiny.
“However, in the spirit that we always prefer to resolve disputes rather than resort to court actions, we do engage with the applicants to understand their issues with NHI,” he said.
Motsoaledi responded to ActionSA MP Kgosi Letlape, who questioned whether negotiations would occur outside the courtroom to address ongoing tensions regarding the NHI.
“The department remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders on issues relating to the implementation of NHI,” he said.
This declaration follows Ramaphosa's announcement on Tuesday that ongoing litigation by various parties concerning the NHI delayed the proclamation of any sections of the NHI Act.
He wants the Constitutional Court to hand down its judgment in court challenges due to be heard in May.
The decision came after consultations with Motsoaledi, who is also a co-respondent in the legal challenges questioning the parliamentary public participation process that preceded the bill’s passage on the national and general elections in 2024.
Ramaphosa pointed out that the Department of Health will continue with its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care.
Earlier in January, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana noted that these court cases will indeed hinder the implementation of the NHI.
He urged all involved parties to collaborate on a settlement to move forward with the NHI initiative.
“It is my submission that these parties must meet and craft a settlement. We want to move ahead with the implementation of NHI. These cases are going to delay for more years,” said Godongwana.
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi has faced criticism for apparently sidelining Parliament in the appointment of governing structures associated with the NHI rather than being made at the sole discretion of the minister.
In response to Letlape’s concerns regarding the NHI Board’s appointment, Motsoaledi maintained that the NHI Act clearly outlines this procedure.
“The minister’s role in this respect will be exercised strictly within the confines of the Act. The appointment of the NHI Board will follow the letter of the Act once the president proclaims relevant sections that will empower the minister to proceed.”
He also said the details of the process will be announced at the appropriate time.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za