Many residents hoped that it would “relieve their pockets” when it came to health care, stating that medical aid is very expensive
MOSTLY positive reactions were expressed by city residents during the public hearing on the National Health Insurance Bill.
The parliamentary portfolio committee on health facilitated the public hearing session at the Kimberley City Hall on Friday to get the views of community members on the controversial bill.
Many residents, during oral submissions, were of the view that the bill is overdue and that they hoped that it would “relieve their pockets” when it came to health care, stating that medical aid is very expensive.
They added that the bill must also seek ways to speed up delays in the health care system.
There were, however, some residents who felt that the bill will create an additional burden on the already struggling economy, adding that taxpayers would have to fork out to fund the NHI.
The chairperson of the portfolio committee on health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, said that all recommendations were noted and would be considered.
“Your participation in this process and contributions are highly appreciated in this law-making process. Communities must continue to exercise their constitutional right of participation in law-making processes,” said Dhlomo.
The public hearings for the Northern Cape were yesterday finalised in Springbok.
The committee called for written submissions from citizens on the bill at the beginning of September this year and the closing date for all submissions is November 29, 2019. – Benida Phillips
