Legal framework regulating the National Health Insurance Scheme :prospects and challenges

Abstract

This mini-dissertation examines the policies regulating the National Health Insurance Scheme. It explores the reforms on the health care system in South Africa. In addressing this issue, the mini-dissertation investigates the constitutional obligation of the South African government regarding the provision of health care services. It also focuses on the two primary issues relating to health care services. Firstly, South Africa has allocated significant budget to fix the ailing health care system. Secondly, South Africa commands huge health care resources compared with many other middle-income countries, however the bulk of these resources are in the private sector and serve a minority of the population. It further looks at the lessons that South Africa could learn from the successes of the National Health Insurance Scheme implementation in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as it proceeds with the implementation of the National Health Insurance.