South Africa's New National Health Insurance Plan: A Summary

Currently, South African health care consists of public and private hospitals. Any South African can be treated for free at a public hospital, but the quality of care and waiting times are often subpar. More affluent South Africans can pay for care at private hospitals where quality of care is much better.

In order to address this inequality of healthcare among the socioeconomic classes, the South African government is trying to establish a National Health Insurance system. Under this system, everyone will pay an additional tax percentage which will go into a pool out of which everyone's health care will be funded. Private medical aid schemes will also come to an end for the most part. This would mean that all citizens will have the same medical coverage and access to services, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Of course, many are not happy about the government's proposed new plan. Keep reading further down for details on the criticisms facing South Africa's National Health Insurance.