Business Unity SA (BUSA), representing business interests, plans potential legal action following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s anticipated signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law. BUSA contends the bill, aimed at achieving universal health coverage, is currently unimplementable, unaffordable, and unconstitutional. CEO Cas Coovadia emphasizes concerns over the bill’s negative impact on healthcare access, the economy, and investor confidence. Despite extensive stakeholder feedback, including from healthcare professionals and academics, the bill proceeded through the National Council of Provinces in December. Coovadia warns of potential consequences, including a doctor exodus, if the bill is enacted unchanged. BUSA intends to evaluate its options post-signing, potentially including legal challenges, to ensure the NHI aligns with the country’s best interests. Coovadia suggests the bill’s rushed timeline may be linked to political motives, anticipating legal challenges and emphasizing the need for a constitutionally sound approach to addressing healthcare issues.

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