Opposition Political Party Hypocrisy on NHI: Ignoring the Will of Their Own Supporters, Serving Their Own Agendas

Amidst a sharply fragmented and unequal healthcare system premised on historical injustices, a transformative intervention has emerged as a beacon of hope for a more equitable future — the National Health Insurance (NHI). However, despite the resounding support from the majority of South Africans, a perplexing hypocrisy has emerged within the opposition political parties. Despite claiming to be the voices of their constituents, they seem to have turned a deaf ear to the resounding call by their supporters who have loudly expressed support for the NHI, exposing gross dishonesty that places personal agendas above the will of their own supporters.

 

Opposition party hypocrisy and dissent within their ranks

The recent survey conducted by the Social Research Foundation (SRF) reveals an interesting paradox amongst some opposition parties, particularly the EFF and DA. Despite official party stances against the NHI, a substantial 57% of EFF supporters and 33% of DA supporters are in favour of the nationalisation of private health care. This glaring contradiction raises questions about the alignment of party leaders with the will of their own supporters. Even more concerning, it raises suspicion whether their opposition to NHI is genuine and stems from mandates from their constituents or if it conceals are more nefarious agenda — potentially safeguarding the interests of influential private funders, at the expense of their supporters, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

 

Racial dynamics in healthcare support

The SRF survey further unveiled striking racial patterns in the support for NHI, mirroring the historical imbalances in the country's healthcare system. A notable 63% of black respondents expressed strong support for the NHI, contrasting sharply with the 79% of whites South Africans who opposed it. This data underscore the urgent need for a transformative healthcare policy such as the NHI to rectify historical disparities.

 

Public hearings and momentum towards the NHI Act

The imminent approval of the NHI Bill represents a significant milestone towards realising a healthcare system that caters to all South Africans, regardless of one’s socio-economic status. The National Assembly, and recently the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Select Committee on Health & Social Services have given their nod to the NHI Bill, clearing the way for a vote by NCOP and assent into law (an Act) once signed by the President.

Public hearings conducted across the country, spanning nine provinces, have been a vital platform for citizens to voice their opinions on the NHI. All public hearings across the nine provinces received overwhelming support for the NHI. However, a notable deviation was observed by the DA-dominated Western Cape legislature which voted against the NHI Bill despite the majority at public hearings affirming support. Such a perversion on the democratic will of the people!   

Private interests and scaremongering tactics

Resistance against the NHI has not only come from political quarters but also from private health interest groups. Motivated by profit maximisation and perceiving health as a commodity, these entities have attempted to create confusion, spread propaganda, and engage in scaremongering against the NHI. However, the resilience of the majority has prevailed, underscoring the public's ability to see through vested interests and prioritise their health and well-being.

 

NHI: A global model for health equity

Understanding the significance of the NHI requires understanding its alignment with global health priorities. Recognised and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the NHI represents a single payer model under universal health coverage (UHC) that aims to achieve health equity — a fundamental objective which is Goal 3 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It represents a departure from fragmented healthcare approaches towards a unified system that ensures quality healthcare for all.

 

Benefits of NHI: bridging healthcare gaps

The core tenet of the NHI is to ensure that every South African, irrespective of their economic status, has access to quality healthcare. It transcends the current model where one’s socio-economic position determines their ability to access quality healthcare. By pooling resources together, the NHI seeks to create a comprehensive health benefits package that leaves no one behind.

Moreover, the NHI will signify a strategic shift by ensuring that healthcare is accessed through the primary healthcare services as the first point of entry. This will focus on prevention and early intervention, rather than a curative system which contributes to unsustainable healthcare inflation.

 

NHI and the 2024 choice

As the 2024 national elections looms, the choice becomes clear — it is a choice between supporting the NHI for quality and free health for all South Africans or maintaining the status quo. The current system, where 15% of the population in the private sector consumes 51% of the health expenditure, leaves the remaining 85% to share a meagre 49% of expenditure. This election is not just about choosing leaders; it's about choosing a trajectory for the nation's health.

 

Conclusion: people's aspirations vs. political agendas

In conclusion, the opposition parties' stance against the NHI reflects a disturbing trend of placing personal and political agendas above the genuine aspirations of their supporters. The resounding support for the NHI from the majority of South Africans, irrespective of race and political affiliation, underscores the urgent need for a healthcare transformation that ensures equity and accessibility for all.

The NHI is not merely a policy; it's a collective aspiration for a healthier and more equitable South Africa. As the country moves towards a future where health is a public good, it is crucial for political leaders to heed the call of the people and align their agendas with the collective will for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.