South Africa: Bills to Improve Access to Healthcare Approved

20 April 2008

Cape Town — Cabinet has approved the publication of two draft pieces of legislation that are crucial in ensuring that the people of South Africa have access to affordable and quality health care.

The legislations are the National Health Amendment Bill, which determine tariffs for private health services, and the Medicine Control Amendment Bill, which determines the functioning of the Medicine Control Council. According to the Department of Health, the escalating cost of private health care services in South Africa has been highlighted as of great concern as it undermines the right of access to health care for millions of South African consumers. "The department engaged with the private health sector on this matter and it was agreed that there was a need for government involvement in addressing these challenges as the sector had not been able to find solutions through self-regulation," said department spokesperson Sibani Mgadi on Friday.

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