South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that he will soon sign the National Health Insurance bill into law, which aims to provide universal health coverage to all citizens.

However, he did not specify a timeline during a press briefing in Cape Town on Thursday.

The controversial bill, passed by lawmakers last year, has faced opposition from political parties and stakeholders who fear it will negatively impact the healthcare sector and the country's economy. Concerns include potential disinvestment in healthcare, corruption undermining implementation, and budget constraints hindering funding for basic services.

Doctors with the South African Medical Association express skepticism about the bill's effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

Two business organizations, Business Unity South Africa and Business for South Africa, have voiced their support for transitioning towards universal health coverage. However, they express reservations regarding the design and implementation of the NHI bill.

Calling for amendments to the bill, the organizations emphasize the importance of addressing concerns before moving forward with its implementation.

Despite its popularity among voters, especially in light of the upcoming competitive election year, the NHI bill's phased implementation at a significant cost raises concerns among business stakeholders.