The IFP  welcomes  the release of the Competition Commission’s Health Market Inquiry Report.

For the very first time South Africans have been granted access into the workings of private health care service providers and the state of health care in this sector.  

The rising cost of medical care, over-servicing and anti-competitive behaviour within the private health care sector must be addressed.

It is critical that if we are to reach the ideal National Health Insurance scenario in our country, the IFP hopes that fairness, openness and best value for money principles and practices  will prevail.

The IFP  have long held the view that private health care is way too expensive and while public health care provision is not up to scratch currently, we must find a balance in providing affordable and efficient health care to all South Africans.

We believe that that the NHI is certainly a solution to the health care woes we face as a nation, however this cannot be achieved unless and until we do not get the basics in primary to tertiary health care right.

In the coming months, the IFP will unpack and make suggestions to the NHI in order for it to be most effectively and efficiently implemented by the National Department of Health. Universal health care is an ideal we must all strive to achieve.

Issued by IFP