President to sign NHI into law on Wednesday

The controversial bill sets in motion the government's ambitious plans for universal health coverage, which is set to create a unified health system.  

Opposition parties, businesses, and healthcare professionals have rejected the proposed legislation, saying it's unconstitutional.  

The Presidency says the signing of the bill will enable the healthcare system to overcome the inequities of the past. 

The Presidency says the signing ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

However, key industry role players have voiced concerns about the bill.

Renata Schoeman, who is the head of Healthcare at Stellenbosch Business School, agrees that the bill needs more work.

"The only way that we can really improve health in the country is if we have a systemic perspective from all stakeholders involved, whether it is the public or private sector, across the health care system, the educational system, the media, and also looking at the social-economic environment of people, addressing poverty, etc.

Now, in this system of networks we need to focus on the individual’s responsibility to take care of their own health."