BusinessTech reports that Solidarity has sent a lawyer’s letter to the deputy director general of the National Health Insurance (NHI), Nicholas Crisp, demanding that he cease hiring activity for the prposed state-run health scheme – because it doesn’t yet exist.
The Department of Health has started advertising positions for the NHI, with 44 jobs listed in an August newsletter. But, Solidarity has pointed out that the NHI bill is still in parliament being processed and is nowhere near being finalised. The trade union has threatened legal action if Crisp does not withdraw the advertisements. “Dr Crisp’s own statement on the NHI is that no official announcements can be made regarding its rollout or implementation as the bill has yet to go before parliament. Solidarity, therefore, finds it worrying that Dr Crisp is voicing conflicting opinions and apparently is persisting with the implementation process,” the union noted. It pointed out that the positions under advertisement involved much more than mere technical skills as the advertisements were for senior management positions, the remuneration in respect of which would amount to millions of rands per year. “Without heeding the impact further expenditure would have on the already ailing state coffers, Dr Crisp is rolling out his NHI. This he does under the guise of efficiency and reinforcing capacity, but how does one want to strengthen the capacity of something that does not yet exist?” the union asked. It said the job advertisements clearly indicated that the government was determined to implement its plans without regard for established democratic processes.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech
- Read Solidarity’s press statement regarding this matter at Solidarity News
- Lees ook, Senior poste vir omstrede NGV geadverteer, by Maroela Media
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page