Press Statement dated 21 June 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has welcomed, with caution, aspects contained the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill as presented by Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, today.
The NHI Bill is aimed at enabling the National Health Insurance whilst the Medical Schemes Bill seeks to standardise rates.
“The Minister elaborated on primary health being at the core of health care. The PSA is of the view that if more people have adequate access to primary health care, the country will be on its way to restoring human dignity. The abolishment of medical co-payments is especially welcomed as relief for workers who struggle with monthly medical-aid scheme contributions,” said PSA General Manager,” Ivan Fredericks.
The PSA that represents more than 240 000 public-sector employees, however, cautioned that the amendments should ensure that medical-aid schemes and service providers do not have flexibility to simply adjust premiums and fees to recover costs.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)