Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Image: X/Gauteng Provincial Government.
‘Lies’: DA slams Panyaza Lesufi for ‘electioneering’ using the NHI
The NHI Bill has yet to be signed, but Panyaza Lesufi says people could go to any private hospital after 29 May, and government would pay.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Image: X/Gauteng Provincial Government.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s blatant lies about the National Health Insurance (NHI) will not fix healthcare in Gauteng, which suffers from a deep rot.
The sentiment comes as, during a campaign meeting, Lesufi told attendees that after the 29 May elections, they can go to any private healthcare institution, and the government will foot the bill.
DA IN GAUTENG ACCUSES PANYAZA LESUFI OF LYING ABOUT THE NHI
In a video shared on social media platforms, Lesufi addressed attendees and told them about the “wonders” the ANC government would perform should it remain in power after the upcoming elections.
“After the 29th May 2024, you can go to any hospital of your choice, whether it’s a private hospital or a public hospital or a private clinic, and get the best experts to treat you, and after treating you, the government will pay the bill,” Lesufi said.
DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom said Lesufi makes reckless statements about the NHI, while the Gauteng Health Department remains riven by corruption and mismanagement that harms patients.
Bloom Lesufi’s message is another outrageous lie as he desperately seeks votes to be re-elected as Premier after the 29 May elections.
He added that the NHI Bill has yet to be signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, and will be challenged in the courts because aspects are unconstitutional. Furthermore, there is no budget to fund it.
“It is highly irresponsible for Lesufi to raise expectations for the NHI to improve healthcare drastically,” Bloom said.
The National Council of Provinces passed the controversial Bill in December 2023.
The NHI promises free healthcare at the point of care for all South Africans, regardless of facility usage. This ensures equitable access to healthcare across public and private sectors.
“We plan to incrementally implement the NHI, addressing issues such as health system financing, workforce augmentation, medical supply access, vaccination programs, and health information systems,” President Ramaphosa affirmed during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) this year.
THE ROT IS DEEP WITHIN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The party said patient queues are long and no hospital in Gauteng complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The Health Department also claims that all surgery backlogs have been eliminated.
“Year after year, the Auditor General gives scathing reports about the Gauteng Health Department, in stark contrast to the clean audits enjoyed by the DA-run Western Cape Health Department.
“Blatant lies will not fix healthcare in Gauteng, which suffers from a deep rot that requires a top-level political change,” Bloom added.
