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More and more influential groups are openly opposing the National Health Insurance (NHI), and Solidarity is hoping that more individuals and organisations will become actively involved in the  fight against it.

The latest organisation to also announce its intention to take legal action against the NHI is the South African Medical Association (SAMA) which represents medical practitioners. 

Solidarity has long since been taking the lead in this fight, especially regarding the upcoming legal battle that will begin as soon as the amendment bill by pres. Cyril Ramaphosa is signed. 

Theuns du Buisson, economic researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI), said that any additional pressure, even by means of litigation, will be welcomed. 

“It is encouraging that almost all other organisations across the political spectrum now agree with Solidarity’s research on the disastrous consequences the NHI holds. It is becoming increasingly clear that no one except the ANC and its lackeys supports the NHI, or thinks that it is feasible,” said Du Buisson.

Solidarity also believes it is crucially important that people from medical professions will state their case clearly to say straight up how they see the NHI playing out. 

“For the past few years, our research has shown how the NHI will drive doctors out of the country. Every year we repeat the study, doctors are even more negative about the NHI than before. Therefore, we are not surprised at all that the SAMA will take legal action on behalf of their members.”

Solidarity also takes note of other organisations, representing large companies, making their opposition to the NHI public. 

“There is no one anymore who believes that the NHI can produce a positive outcome at all. The country cannot afford it financially and neither can the people of the country. Who can afford to pay more tax? Therefore, it is very important to not only publicly take a stand against the NHI but to also take real action, such as initiating litigation,” concluded Du Buisson. 

Issued by Solidarity