The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce bold and affordable health reforms in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday. The organisation says urgent, practical interventions are needed to reduce healthcare costs and expand access to quality services for millions of South Africans.
BHF Managing Director Dr Katlego Mothudi said government has viable options that could be implemented immediately, particularly as the National Health Insurance Act continues to face legal challenges. He argued that delaying reform is placing unnecessary pressure on households already struggling to afford healthcare.
“LCBOs (Low-Cost Benefit Options) could enable millions of low-income South Africans to access essential private healthcare, instead of being forced to pay out of pocket or falling through the cracks,” Mothudi said. He added that these mechanisms would also allow medical schemes to collectively negotiate tariffs with willing healthcare providers, in line with recommendations made by the Competition Commission through its Health Market Inquiry.
The BHF believes these measures could provide immediate relief to patients while longer-term health system reforms remain under review.
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
