Omission of NHI is telling

BUDGET: ABSENCE OF MENTION SHOWS IT'S MORE AN ASPIRATION THAN REALITY - EXPERT

- Ina Opperman

Though various aspects of Budget 2025 were identified and reviewed from all angles, one important aspect stood out because Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana did not mention it: National Health Insurance (NHI).

However, if you look closely at the medium-term expenditure framework released with the budget documents, you will find references to NHI.

Craig Comrie, CEO of Profmed, says re-tabling the budget made one thing clear: NHI is still more of an aspiration than a reality.

"The absence of direct mention of NHI in the speech is more telling than many South Africans realise."

"You have to search the accompanying medium-term expenditure framework to find references to NHI. It speaks volumes about the financial and practical roadblocks ahead," he says.

He says the private sector has long cautioned that any attempt at universal health care coverage must be rooted in feasibility, not just intent and empty political rhetoric.

"With no NHI in sight, now more than ever, we need a pragmatic approach to health care reform that builds on the assets we already have, rather than chasing an unrealistic, unbound and unfunded ideal."