SAMWU fully supports the NHI initiative, but cautions.

The Unions Central Executive Committee has already endorsed and given its support to the NHI. Our recent 9th National Congress approved the NHI as well. Part of this decision taken at the 9th National Congress included mobilizing our members about the benefits of the NHI.

Finance is of critical importance but without a national health infrastructure of medical facilities, including the appropriate level of health staff, available in the rural areas no less than the main cities, the NHI might end up being no more than a life-saver for the ailing private sector.

SAMWU reaffirms its fundamental opposition to private health because well-being and sickness should not be a source of private profit, leave alone handsome profit. In addition to this opposition on principle there are also practical considerations such as private health, in the South African context, can only mean a perpetuation of most if not all of the inequities scarring the present two-tier system.

For comment contact SAMWU General Secretary Mthandeki Nhlapo on
021-697 1152 or 0725369756.

Tahir Sema.
South African Municipal Workers' Union of COSATU.
National Media and Publicity officer.
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