NHI Bill passed by NCOP 'in spirit of uBuntu'
Council of Provinces has passed the National
Health Insurance Bill.
The controversial bill, which seeks to achieve universal healthcare, was passed by an overwhelming majority of MPs on Wednesday.
Eight of the nine provinces voted in favour of the bill, with the only rejection coming from the DA-run Western Cape.
While the ANC insists that the majority of South Africans are behind the bill, the DA, as well as elements of the business and health sectors have complained that the implementation plan remains unclear.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla says he believes the rich should subsidise the poor.
"There should be social solidarity that the rich should subsidise the poor, that is the essence of Ubuntu.
"When we say that South Africa is about Ubuntu, it's to say that when your neighbour is hungry, you don't just eat alone with your children and throw away what is left, you share. And that is the essence of Ubuntu, so NHI is about that."
