National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003)NoticesNational Health Insurance Policy towards Universal Health CoverageChapter 3 : Problem Statement3.4 Conclusion |
| 83. | This chapter has outlined that the challenges facing the health system are as a result of social determinants of health (SDH), an increasing burden of disease and structural problems impacting on its performance, all of which need to be addressed through ongoing health systems strengthening efforts and inter-sectoral collaboration. Furthermore the move towards National Health Insurance will contribute to health system strengthening initiatives, ameliorating challenges in health care financing and eliminating fragmentation in the health system. |
| 84. | The policy trajectory pursued under NHI must be based on the clear objective of entrenching income and risk cross-subsidisation mechanisms that will ensure that all citizens are provided with (1) adequate financial risk protection; (2) an opportunity to equitably benefit from the health system; and (3) the ability to contribute towards the funding of the health system based on their ability to pay. |
| 85. | The next chapters will outline benefits of NHI as well as interventions aimed at reorganising the health care systems to improve its performance and the quality of health care services delivered, and healthcare financing reforms that are aimed at achieving universal health coverage. |