President Cyril Ramaphosa to Sign Health Compact Despite Boycott Over NHI

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the second Presidential Health Compact on Thursday, 22 August 2024, despite a boycott by key business and healthcare groups. The signing comes after a week-long delay and amidst significant opposition from several stakeholders.
Launched in 2019, the Presidential Health Compact aims to enhance cooperation between sectors to improve health outcomes in South Africa. The 2024 iteration focuses on bolstering health systems in preparation for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
However, the compact’s emphasis on the NHI has sparked controversy. Critics, including Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), the South African Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC), and the South African Medical Association (SAMA), argue that the NHI, in its current form, presents unresolved issues related to funding, coverage, and administration. These groups represent a significant portion of the healthcare sector, with BUSA advocating for private business interests, SAHPC representing 25,000 healthcare professionals, and SAMA comprising 12,000 medical practitioners.
BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia has criticized the NHI, stating that businesses are opposed to its current structure and are concerned about its rushed implementation ahead of the 2024 elections. Despite this opposition, the presidency is moving forward with the compact, emphasizing its commitment to advancing universal healthcare.