Business Unity SA (BUSA) has confirmed it will consider legal action after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the controversial National Health Insurance Bill into law this week.
The organization, which represents business interests, has repeatedly lamented the current state of the bill and previously said it had petitioned President Ramaphosa not to sign the bill and refer it to parliament. On Tuesday, it reiterated that the bill is “unenforceable and will harm the country's health sector, the broader economy, and investor confidence.”
“While we fully support the objective of universal health care, the National Health Insurance Bill in its current form is “It's impossible, we can't afford it, and it's not consistent with the Constitution.”
“What is particularly troubling is that the president is moving forward with the bill despite extensive constructive input from a wide range of stakeholders, including doctors and health professionals, civil society, public sector unions, academics and business. .”
In December, the National Council of States voted in favor of the NHI bill, paving the way for the president to sign it into law.
Coubadia said this version of the bill, if enacted, would hinder, rather than facilitate, South Africans' access to healthcare.
“We will therefore pay close attention to the President's announcement on Wednesday and consider our options accordingly.”
“Our future actions will ensure that national health insurance is properly delivered through all means at our disposal, including appropriate legal intervention, to ensure that the final legislation is in the best interest of our country.” and for all her people, for generations to come.”
Coubadia previously told News24 in an interview that the bill, if implemented in its current form, could lead to a flight of doctors from South Africa.
Read | BUSA urges Ramaphosa to examine constitutionality of National Health Insurance, says bill is doomed in its current form
He also said in a February interview that the only reason to rush the bill into law in its current form was the upcoming election.
“Essentially what happens is that he [Ramaphosa] If he signs the bill, the matter will go to court. There are no two ways about it. I'm not saying I'll take him to court. We will look at it, but I can assure you that special interests will take him to court and this matter will get stuck in court. There are constitutional issues with this, and it is not the way to move our health issues forward. ” Coubadia said at the time.
