President Cyril Ramaphosa used his 2025 State of the Nation address to reiterate the government’s commitment to implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) and improving healthcare access and infrastructure in South Africa. The president emphasized that the NHI would aim to reduce healthcare inequalities and provide essential services to all citizens, including maternal and newborn care, treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases.
The National Health Bill was approved by parliament in December 2023 and signed into law by Ramaphosa before last year’s national and provincial elections. The law was designed to ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of their medical aid status. However, critics, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and business groups, raised concerns about the potential impact of the NHI on the country’s healthcare system.
Ramaphosa outlined several key initiatives to support the implementation of the NHI, including the development of a single electronic health record system, the establishment of ministerial advisory committees on health technologies and benefits, and an accreditation framework for healthcare providers. The government also plans to invest in modernizing and constructing hospitals and clinics across the country to improve the quality of care in the public health sector.
The president highlighted the progress made in combating HIV and Aids, with 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 79% receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 94% achieving viral suppression. To further advance these efforts, a campaign will be launched to identify and provide treatment to an additional 1.1 million people who are not currently receiving care.
In response to the US’s decision to suspend funding for HIV and tuberculosis programs in African countries, including South Africa, Ramaphosa expressed concern and reassured the public that essential services would continue. However, there was no mention of a reported agreement between the ANC and DA to preserve private medical schemes alongside the NHI implementation.
Overall, Ramaphosa’s address emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all South Africans through the NHI and ongoing healthcare infrastructure development projects. The president’s focus on equality in health provision and the need to address key public health challenges underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of the nation’s citizens.
