Catching up with the constitution: An analysis of National Health Insurance in South Africa post-apartheid

Abstract

The passing of the 2019 National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) has revived debate whether such a policy can be effectively implemented in South Africa. The purpose of this article is to discuss the development process of this bill against the backdrop of the country’s political and social context. Furthermore, it will examine the constitutional right of public participation in health policy decision-making and its vital role in understanding the user perspectives to ensure successful implementation of the NHI. Approachable and communicative leaders are required to facilitate public participation and to engage with the public and health workers. Such leaders will need to be innovative and creative in order to overcome current public health shortfalls.