Health Department stands by NHI education budget despite calls for reallocation
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The South African Health Department is standing firm in its commitment to promoting the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, even as voices arise, urging a reallocation of funds to address other pressing health needs.
Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaahla has emphasised that the government's strategy surrounding NHI education is not simply a binary choice of either funding allocation or prioritisation of other health initiatives.
During a budget presentation to the Health Portfolio Committee, Phaahla outlined that the current opposition to NHI is multifaceted, involving not merely legal challenges but also a broader effort to win the hearts and minds of South Africans.
'The pushback on NHI implementation is not only in courts, but is a battle of the hearts and minds of South Africans. It is important as much as possible in terms of how we assist South Africans to get a fair amount of information. It is neither this nor that,' Phaahla said.
He made the statement when the department presented its budget during the meeting of the Health Portfolio Committee on Thursday.
The NHI took centre stage during the meeting, with DA MP Michele Clarke noting that Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi still planned to spend another R10m on NHI advertising.
Clarke was of the view the funding could be used toward the treatment of HIV in the wake of the recent withdrawal of US aid funding.
In its presentation, the department said there were processes under way in preparation for the NHI Fund.
This included the essential equipment list that was to be finalised.
'This is focusing on primary care level as well as accreditation level to be used to accredit service providers that are to participate in NHI,' the department's head of planning unit, Koketso Sebanyoni, said.
Sebanyoni also said that as part of NHI preparations, they would track the number of patients actively receiving medication.
'We hope this number can increase to 3.5 million in this financial year.'
She added that work was being done on developing the integrated electronic health record system.
'We envisage we will finalise the second phase on the primary care package,' Sebanyoni said.
The department said out of its R64.6 billion budget, NHI will be allocated R1.4bn.
There was R2.4 billion allocated in the NHI indirect grant for health facilities revitalisation and R7.2bn for the NHI conditional grant.
There was also R466m allocation for the contracting of additional health professionals.
MPs wanted an update on the appointment of the NHI board and the funding mechanism for the NHI and overburdening of the country's health care system by illegal foreigners, among other things.
The department was receiving comments from stakeholders on the regulations that were published in March on the proposed governance regulations of the NHI Fund.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Measles outbreak in Gauteng: 181 cases confirmed, public urged to vaccinate
The Gauteng Department of Health has intensified its public health response following further measles cases across the province. Between January 1 and June 13, 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases were reported, primarily in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases. Local nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng explained what measles is and how to curb its spread. She defined measles as a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects children but can infect anyone who is unvaccinated. 'It spreads through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Measles symptoms appear about seven to 14 days after exposure,' she said. Signs and symptoms: • High fever; • Dry cough; • Runny nose; • Red, watery eyes; • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots); • A blotchy red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. 'A person is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears. Many people assume measles is just a rash and fever, but it can lead to severe complications,' she added. She mentioned these complications: • Pneumonia; • Diarrhoea and dehydration; • Ear infections (which might lead to hearing loss); • Brain swelling (encephalitis); • Death, especially in malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems. 'Children under five years, unvaccinated people of any age, people with weakened immune systems (HIV+ individuals) and pregnant women are at risk of contracting measles. 'Prevention is always better than cure. The measles vaccine is safe and free at public clinics across SA. It is given as part of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) at six months (extra dose during outbreaks), 12 months and 18 months,' she mentioned. Mofokeng said vaccination is the best protection because if enough people are vaccinated, the virus cannot spread; this is called herd immunity. She added that during the outbreak, people must ensure children are vaccinated by checking their Road-to-Health card. The nurse advised adults unsure of their vaccination status to visit a clinic for advice. 'If your child shows symptoms, keep them at home and visit a health facility immediately. Inform your school or crèche if a child was diagnosed. They may need to take steps to prevent further spread,' said Mofokeng. What to do if you suspect measles? • Step one: Seek medical care immediately; early detection can prevent serious illness. • Step two: Isolate the patient to avoid spreading the virus to others. • Step three: Follow the instructions from your clinic or doctor. ALSO READ: SASSA announces August payment dates for all social grants ALSO READ: Two arrested in Kwa-Thema for house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Why are fewer women breastfeeding in SA despite its enormous benefits?
Aggressive marketing campaigns by the formula milk industry, hunger and malnutrition and insecure employment are among the factors causing a decline in breastfeeding in the country. While global exclusive breastfeeding rates have seen a slight increase in recent years, South Africa is still lagging behind with a concerning decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates from 32% in 2016 to 22% in 2024. Civil society and the Department of Health say the current trend means the country is unlikely to achieve the World Health Assembly breastfeeding target of at least 50% by the end of 2025, and 70% in 2030 unless women receive support beyond education campaigns. The Department of Health in collaboration with various stakeholders hosted an event to mark the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week at Loftus Park Shopping centre in Pretoria on 1 August 2025. It aimed to intensify awareness about the long-term health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both the mother and child, as part of ongoing efforts to increase the rate of breastfeeding in the country. Multiple factors contribute to the decline in breastfeeding. Chantell Witten, the health systems director at iLifa Labantwana with expertise in breastfeeding and nutrition, told Daily Maverick that some of these factors were lack of support, income and formula marketing through health centres and professionals. 'Given the lack of maternity protection and stable employment opportunities, South African mothers are not protected to enjoy a successful breastfeeding journey. Furthermore, the insidious marketing of formula through health professionals undermines government efforts to promote, support and protect breastfeeding,' said Witten. World Breastfeeding Week is a global movement aimed at promoting breastfeeding and creating a conducive environment that supports mothers who breastfeed their babies, ultimately contributing to their wellbeing. Speaking to Daily Maverick, Edzani Mphaphuli, the Executive Director of Grow Great Campaign, said the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child's second birthday, were the most important for shaping lifelong health, learning and wellbeing. 'During this period, the brain develops rapidly, and the foundations for emotional, cognitive and physical growth are laid. If children are undernourished or neglected during this time, they risk becoming stunted. Stunting has irreversible effects on brain function, school performance and future productivity. Breastfeeding plays a central role in preventing stunting. It provides complete nutrition, supports immunity, and fosters emotional bonding. Supporting mothers to breastfeed is not just about nutrition, it is about brain development, emotional security, and human potential. Every child deserves the chance to grow great from the very beginning, and that means ensuring their mothers are nourished, supported and cared for too,' Mphaphuli said. Shared responsibility So this makes the decline concerning for the department, health and nutrition practitioners and civil society organisations in the space. The department says exclusive breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, 'extending beyond just the role of mothers, with families, communities, healthcare systems and employers having important roles to play. Breastfeeding is not just about reaching country and global targets, but also about supporting infant health and development, as well as maternal wellbeing.' Witten echoed this point, saying breastfeeding promotion and support programmes had multiple benefits, such as 'saving children's lives, better health outcomes, lower economic and environmental impact. It's good for mothers, children and the economic development of the country… Programmes to support mothers and their children are not prioritised, and (mothers should be) protected from profit-driven industries like the formula industry,' said Witten. Significant impact A mother's nutrition does not drastically affect the quality of breast milk, but it has a significant impact on her ability to continue breastfeeding. Mphaphuli said the campaign aimed to reduce child stunting and malnutrition through multiple programmes and interventions. She added that mothers' bodies prioritised the baby 'drawing nutrients from the mother's own reserves, often depleting her energy, muscle, and bone mass. Without proper food, mothers feel exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed. Breastfeeding is physically demanding, and doing it while hungry can be debilitating,' says Mphaphuli. In a written response to Daily Maverick, Mphaphuli said that many mothers supported by Grow Great's Flourish programme and community health workers reported stopping breastfeeding due to hunger and stress. 'Hunger increases cortisol in the mother's body — this stress hormone transfers into breast milk, leaving babies fussy and colicky, which creates a cycle of emotional strain. This cycle makes breastfeeding even harder. What a mother eats while breastfeeding is determined not just by knowledge, but by what she can afford. Finances drive dietary choices. When money is tight, nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables, protein and dairy are often replaced with cheaper, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor alternatives. Financial support is therefore essential to help mothers eat well and breastfeed with confidence. Without it, the risk of burnout, poor mental health, and early breastfeeding cessation increases, contributing to poor growth and stunting in infants, especially in vulnerable households,' Mphaphuli said. The Grow Great Flourish programme is an intervention supporting breastfeeding and early child development in South Africa. It provides antenatal and postnatal support groups, led by trained local women who are mothers themselves. Mphaphuli said the programme demystified breastfeeding, covering topics like how milk was produced, how to latch, and how to manage common challenges. 'The safe, non-judgmental environment encourages mothers to ask questions and support each other. Beyond the sessions, WhatsApp groups keep the community connected, allowing mothers to share concerns and receive encouragement around the clock. Nearly all Flourish moms breastfeed, and 62% do so exclusively. This stands in stark contrast to the national average. Grow Great also trains community health workers to deliver in-home breastfeeding support. These workers reinforce critical messages and help mothers persevere. Together, these programmes are preventing stunting by ensuring that babies receive the best start in life, beginning with breast milk.' DM
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Mobile clinics bring life-saving cancer screening to rural communities
A groundbreaking partnership is bringing vital cancer screenings to South Africa's rural communities. Image: Supplied In South Africa, the challenge of healthcare access is a story of two halves. While urban centres have a network of hospitals and clinics, many rural communities face significant hurdles, often leading to late diagnoses for serious illnesses. This is especially true for cancer, where early detection can make all the difference. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for a staggering 65% of all natural causes of death in our country, a burden that the National Department of Health is working hard to reduce. It is in this context that a partnership is making a real difference: a collaboration between Rio Tinto, PinkDrive, and the National Department of Health to bring essential health screening directly to those who need it most. Starting in late July and running through August 2025, this initiative will see mobile healthcare screening clinics travelling through KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Northern Cape. This comes after a successful outreach in 2024, which laid the groundwork for this expanded mission. Werner Duvenhage, Managing Director of RTIT Africa Operations & RBM, shared his pride in the project, stating, 'We are proud to once again collaborate with PinkDrive to bring these services closer to those who need them most. Through this collaboration we can extend our reach and make a meaningful impact even in areas where we are not physically present. It is an extension of our core values.' The numbers from last year's outreach are impressive, with 7,695 people screened in just two weeks. This year, the goal is even more ambitious: to screen over 12,000 individuals and provide health education to many more. Noelene Kotschan, CEO and Founder of PinkDrive, highlighted the critical need for this type of service, explaining, 'Far too many South Africans are diagnosed late because they simply don't have access to screening facilities. Our model of mobile healthcare has proven both innovative and effective in bridging this gap.' PinkDrive's model is about bringing the healthcare facility to the community, using a fleet of mobile units to provide services that would otherwise be out of reach. The services offered are comprehensive and all provided at no cost. The mobile clinics will be staffed by a team of qualified doctors, nurses, radiographers, and health educators, offering everything from mammograms and pap smears to Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, clinical breast examinations, and skin and lung cancer screenings. General health check-ups will also be available, with referrals to public health facilities arranged for anyone who needs further care. This initiative is a vital part of South Africa's national health goals, which focus on reducing the burden of NCDs through early detection, prevention, and improved access to care. The funding for this impactful project comes from the Rio Tinto Social Investment Fund, which is dedicated to creating lasting socio-economic benefits in the communities where the company operates. This collaboration is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can directly improve health outcomes and bring essential services to the doorsteps of those who need them most, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of South Africans. IOL Lifestyle
