Browsing by Author "Shezi, Khulekani"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of NHI in the current South African context
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shezi, Khulekani; Horvey, Sylvester Senyo
    The research aimed to investigate the perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy in the current South African context. This is motivated by the country’s government plan to introduce a single health care system that is able to provide quality, affordable, and accessible health care services to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Listed as one of the programmes for implementation on the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), the NHI is expected to be rolled out to South African citizens by the end of 2026. The study considered different countries that have introduced universal health coverage by use of the NHI, extrapolating key lessons and considerations that can be applied by South Africa for this context, with a specific focus on the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals on the feasibility of such a programme and the uncovering of any undocumented concerns and fears about the NHI. The study employed a qualitative approach, interviewing sixteen health care professionals through open-ended questions. Participants were all based and placed in Ekurhuleni and employed at the public hospitals in the area. This specific sample was chosen because of the volume of patients they see and the challenges regarding resources they face. Most healthcare professionals believe the NHI is not feasible in South Africa. They expressed concern over the required political prowess for implementation and the lack of trust in current governmental structures to ensure the successful running of such a state-owned entity. The participants also mentioned that the current planning for the NHI excludes the voices of healthcare professionals, who will be some of the major stakeholders on the ground. Therefore further fuelling the scepticism on the positive rollout of such a programme. The key recommendation from the research is that the country’s government must involve all stakeholders to ensure the success of the NHI. Additionally, it is presented that there be mandatory cross-subsidization for the elderly and value-added tax for the unemployed. Lastly, it is presented that the government should focus on improving the public sector and its readiness for such a rollout before emphasizing time frames