Implementation of NHI on course

2/24/2010 12:40:02 PM

The cost implications of the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) will only be known once details of the scheme have been finalised, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

In a statement following the second meeting of the ministerial advisory committee (MAC) on NHI, the ministry insisted implementation of the NHI was "on course".

The MAC was established by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi last year to advise him on how best to implement the scheme.

It is made up of experts in various fields drawn from South Africa and internationally.

The ministry said the agenda of the second meeting focused on substantive issues relating to the workings of the committee and the technical content of the NHI, a report on the economic benefits of NHI, and the health information system to support the scheme.

The proposed transitional arrangements from the current arrangement to NHI were presented and discussed.

Discussions revolved around the timing of key policy and process steps, completeness of activities and feasibility.

The meeting also developed plans aimed at ensuring that the public would remain informed at all times on the NHI, especially once the document had been released for public comment.

The committee discussed in detail the various costing models for the NHI based on the inputs by a number organisations on the matter.

The MAC noted with concern the latest report of Econex indicating the potential cost of the scheme.

"It is at this stage impossible to accurately project the NHI costs outside a policy framework and with work still underway.

"While the role of various experts in the field is appreciated, parties are urged to refrain from making unfounded claims about the NHI until the full details of the scheme have been finalised.

"Cost details of the NHI can only be determined once details on the scheme have been finalised," the ministry said.