OUTA fully supports the constitutional right of all South Africans to proper healthcare, but President Ramaphosa’s signing of the NHI Bill shortly before the elections merely created false hope.   

OUTA has concerns about funding, management, and the potential strain the current NHI model will have on the fiscus. We also question the timing of signing the bill into law – was it merely electioneering? In our view, this is not a workable model, and it has the potential for corruption as well as an exodus of critical medical skills. We urge the president to go back to the drawing board and collaborate with industry experts to create a workable universal healthcare model. 

Our supporters should also be assured that we will monitor any NHI developments closely. We remain vigilant and committed to upholding accountability with public money. While litigation is always an option if needed, we are aware of collective efforts from various organisations who are ready to address all the issues around the NHI Law through legal action.

Read more on our stance here.