“NHI will see the two systems moving closer together to address the problems of sustainability and quality in the interests of all South African healthcare consumers,” Goolab adds.
“People who find themselves needing treatment should not be burdened with the financial pressures on top of concerns for their health or, worse still, find themselves resigned to ill health because of poverty. In a country that has one of the most progressive constitutions and provisions for human rights in the world, universal health coverage is overdue. All South Africans will benefit from the financial protections NHI will offer.”
“A healthy workforce is a key element of sustainable economic growth, and it has been estimated that investment in universal health cover delivers significant economic returns that exceed the cost. South Africa, therefore, cannot afford to fall further behind the global trend towards universal health coverage,” Goolab says.
“South Africa is on the brink of a major breakthrough with the implementation of NHI and we have an immense responsibility to future generations to get it right. The idea of affordable quality healthcare for all can only be achieved through co-operation and buy-in from many different stakeholders, and GEMS is committed to putting its experience and expertise behind this national imperative,” he concludes.
