Staff Reporter
The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has expressed its support for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s recent announcement of a R1.4 billion budget allocation to the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The move is a step forward in the implementation of the NHI bill, which was approved by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last year and now awaits President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature to become law.
The bill aims to ensure universal access to healthcare throughout the country.
According to Samatu’s General-Secretary, Dr. Cedric Sihlangu, the allocation of funds to this initiative shows the government’s commitment to strengthening the public healthcare system, which has been in dire need of support.
“It comes at a time where it demonstrates commitment to the public healthcare system, which we’ve also been crying out that it needed saving.” He said.
Minister Godongwana also announced a total of R57.6 billion to be allocated to the salaries of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Sihlangu has appreciated this development, stating that it will go a long way in ensuring the health of citizens is in safe hands.
“You’ve seen now we have been making a lot of noise about unemployed doctors, so this will go a long way in ensuring that all those skills are absorbed.” He said.
