Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 26-08-2019
The Health Department has urged communities to get involved and influence the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill to meet their needs.
The Bill, released last Thursday, aims to provide a package of comprehensive health services for free at private and public health facilities as part of its bid to more equitable access to quality healthcare.
However, there have been concerns about what implications the NHI bill may have for Muslims.
Speaking to Radio Islam, spokesperson for the minister of health Dr Lwazi Manzi says the Muslim community needs to play an active role in the NHI.
“I very, very much understand that the facilities that have been provided for the Muslim community and the Muslim community uses the public health sector a great deal. Facilities have not always been up to scratch. I have never seen a prayer facility in any of the hospitals that I have worked. So those are exactly the kind of things that the community can come in and comment on and give guidance.”
Manzi says the portfolio committee on health will get a briefing on the bill before initiating an advert campaign to submit written comments.
“One the advert has run its course, the committee will then start on the public hearings.”
While there is uncertainty about the role that private medical providers will play when the NHI is implemented, the Registrar of the Council for Medical Schemes is certain that its schemes will continue to exist and function.
Listen to the interview with Dr Lwazi Manzi
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