The implementation of National Health Insurance in its current form ‘may result in an exodus of doctors from South Africa,’ expressed Cas Coovadia, CEO of Business Unity South Africa .Coovadia voiced BUSA’s concerns regarding the legislation, stating, ‘We are worried. In fact, we are very worried that the private sector has been sidelined.’
Coovadia emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of NHI, warning that the government’s exclusion of the private sector from funding any procedure covered by NHI could lead to ‘an exodus of doctors out of the country.’, the NHI Bill is raising concerns among organisations like the South African Medical Association , who fear it will drive medical professionals away from the country.
They noted that the NHI’s approval disregarded input from medical professionals, risking a significant loss of vital skills. Solidarity’s medical professional networks echoed this worry, with many members considering emigration due to the NHI’s impending implementation. According to a study conducted by the Solidarity Research Institute among doctors, if the NHI is implemented, a large number of them would leave the country.