The Public Servants Association (PSA) on Tuesday expressed concern that government is using the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) to campaign for the 2024 elections.

The PSA is also calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reconsider the NHI and instead allow for further discussions to clarify unanswered questions and concerns raised by relevant stakeholders and warned that if that is not done, the NHI will be a “dead elephant” like the e-tolls.

It said while it supports the rehabilitation of the public health sector, the PSA’s view is that members, like other citizens, must reserve the right to choose whether to use public or private healthcare.

The PSA warned that the current single funding model for the NHI will plunge the citizenry into a deeper financial crisis as they will be burdened to fund this initiative.

“The idea that workers might be expected to pay for private medical insurance and the NHI simultaneously, induces anxiety amongst public sector employees. The chief priority of health reform in South Africa should be the rehabilitation of the public health sector. This can be best achieved by a competent, non-partisan public health service, free of corruption and political interference,” said the union.
 
The union is also concerned about the future of medical schemes, especially as it relates to employees’ access to medical aid schemes.

It further warned that the NHI Bill may reverse the gains workers have made in respect of access to quality healthcare.