ANC's controversial NHI bill could lead to a shortage of doctors

The ANC’s National Health Insurance bill was tabled this week but it hasn't received a warm welcome from South Africa. Despite promises of affordable health services, it's feared the bill will cause a shortage of doctors in the country.

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The government's National Health Insurance (NHI) bill promises better health care for South Africa but most people aren't convinced.

The bill was tabled earlier this week and received a lot of criticism. The South African reports that experts and the ANC's opposition feel nothing good will come of the bill.

One of the biggest fears is that doctors will head overseas, and leave Mzansi with a shortage.

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Higher taxes and limits on certain medical aid schemes that will be imposed by the bill are given as reason why many doctors will want to leave the country.

CEO of the South African Private Practitioners Forum, Chris Archer, told the Sunday Times:

"Those [in the industry] who want to leave see NHI as a reason to do so".

Briefly.co.za learnt that a recent survey indicated that 43% of health care workers would think about leaving SA if the government continues to implement the bill.

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The DA’s Shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube, says the bill is full of flaws.

"This fund will be nothing more than another SOE that will be completely vulnerable to grand corruption. It will mean the equitable share of funds to provincial departments is reduced to finance the Fund and will undeniably mean poorer health outcomes for ordinary South Africans."

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Source: Briefly News