Medical Brief 270 - 12 Sep 2019
"National Health Insurance (NHI) plans this week came under unexpected pressure from healthcare oversight bodies on the issues of independence and funding, and the private sector in the form of Business Unity SA wrung an unexpected negotiating concession from Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, writes MedicalBrief.
The Health Ombud wants Parliament to review NHI-related legislation that causes his office to report to the minister; the Office of Health Standards Compliance, and the Council of Medical Schemes both want bigger budgets to meet increased NHI responsibilities, and Business Unity SA is enter into direct bilateral negotiations with government over its NHI concerns.
Health Ombud Professor Malegapuru Makgoba urged Parliament to review legislation that led to the establishment of his office, saying that it is impossible for an ombud to be independent when s/he reports to the health minister, writes MedicalBrief. It is possible that provisions in the 2013 National Health Amendment Act making the health ombud accountable to the minister could be reviewed, given Makgoba’s concerns.
According to a National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Health media statement released on 6 September, Makgoba said: “Parliament expects me to be independent, I report to the Minister, how can I be independent?"
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