South Africa’s National Health Insurance Scheme is predicted to cost up to R600bn per year, with an estimated additional R200bn per year needed to finance it. The cost may be covered by a monthly contribution of R1,500 from every working member of society, but if funding expectations aren’t met, taxpayers may face an increase in VAT or income tax. President Cyril Ramaphosa is ready to sign the NHI Bill into law, believing it will lay a foundation for universal health service coverage and address socioeconomic imbalances.
