Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, is not moved by the threats to challenge the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act that was signed into law by Presi ent Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday. This comes after DA Chief Whip, Siviwe Gwarube, announced that they will be bringing a legal challenge against the new law within 30 days.

Shortly after the bill was signed, Gwarube said,  "We believe that the centralisation of the pool of funds to manage the NHI fund, that will be managed by a minister, will not only hinder the people's ability to access health care but will also open up the funds to significant corruption. We've seen with Digital Vibes and the former health minister and what happened there. We believe that we can make this plea to the court that the department won't be able to implement a progressive realisation of quality health care to South Africans if this bill comes into enactment...This fund will essentially be looted and we won't realise quality health care, in line with Section 27," she said.

Following criticism on the bill, Dr Phaahla emphasised the NHI Act was not rushed and that government is incapable of implementing it the right way. "We are in a democratic country and the courts are part of our democracy. So, we must be ready to go and present our case if we are taken to the courts." Meanwhile Phaahla has urged medical aid users to keep their memberships active until the NHI is fully implemented. "We want to say to all South Africans that this is a process. When that is ready, you will be informed. When all basic services are covered, hopefully by 2028 and beyond, those announcements will be made. Please, don't throw away your medical scheme." he said. Phaahla also said that the country is not short of resources. "We are already utilising 8.5% of our GDP for health. This law is not electioneering but a promise to our people that they will have a healthier and better future for all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status. This is for the betterment of South Africans," Phaahla said.