South Africans have until 6 June to submit comments on the proposed regulations for the governance of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Fund, writes Yoliswa Sobuwa for Health-e News.
The Minister of Health will appoint an ad hoc advisory panel, whose mission is to provide independent expert advice to guide decision-making, ensuring transparency, accountability, and align with national health priorities.
The Board of the NHI Fund will be established after the Minister submits the candidates, recommended by the committee, to Cabinet for approval, and in line with criteria set out in the NHI Act. The board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial management and the overall performance of the Fund.
The CEO of the Fund should be appointed by the Board through a merit-based selection process, after a transparent recruitment procedure, and will be responsible for managing daily operations, implementing strategic objectives and ensuring the effective delivery of health services.
The Health Minister plays a key role in overseeing and ensuring the overall policy and legislative framework of the Fund, but will not be responsible for operational control. He will determine which services are covered under the NHI, with advice from the Benefits Advisory Committee – to be appointed by him.
The Minister will also be responsible for recommending appointments to key governance structures like the Board and for tabling reports on the Fund’s performance to Parliament.
Clarity on Fund governance
Dr Nicholas Crisp, deputy director-general for NHI in the Department of Health, said the Board will be legally responsible for managing and overseeing the financial affairs of the Fund. The NHI Act provides for 11 members appointed with a technical skills mix.
“The regulation of the NHI Fund governance describes how board members and two of the advisory committees will be nominated. This process is very public and very transparent. When the Minister signs the letters of appointment there will have been extensive public insight into who is appointed. If the Minister and Cabinet deviate from any step, there is an obligation to provide public reasons for such deviations,” he added.
Crisp said the draft regulations do not establish the Fund, but aim to appoint a Board and the Advisory Committees that will be responsible for developing and implementing the administration of the Fund.
Email your comment to regcomments@health.gov.za or complete the online public comment survey
Health-e News article – Have your say on the governance of NHI Fund (Creative Commons Licence)
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