Motsoaledi Says NHI Defence Needs Top Legal Team—At R9 Million Cost

Aaron Motsoaledi, the health minister, is being pressured to provide an explanation for a R9 million legal bill related to the National Health Insurance (NHI) legal defense. MPs questioned the high cost of hiring 12 legal counsel, including five senior advocates, during a parliamentary briefing on Wednesday.

However, Motsoaledi remained steadfast, asserting that such litigation calls for skilled legal minds, particularly in light of the NHI’s repeated court challenges from well-funded organizations. These include the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and the South African Medical Association (SAMA).

Litigation participants are aware of the high cost of senior counsel, Motsoaledi informed Parliament. There are seven distinct cases that we are addressing. Five senior counsel and seven junior counsel are needed for that.

A number of private sector organizations continue to oppose the NHI, a flagship universal healthcare plan that aims to provide access to healthcare for all South Africans. They contend that the act is both unaffordable and unconstitutional.

Since a court recently decided that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the NHI into law could be reviewed, he is also involved in legal proceedings surrounding the act. Since then, he has made an appeal.

Motsoaledi emphasized that the objective of his department is to guarantee the continuation of a healthcare policy that has the potential to revolutionize the nation’s healthcare system. He stated, “We cannot afford to go into these legal battles unprepared.”

Motsoaledi maintains that a proper defense of the NHI is crucial to its future, despite the fact that some MPs are still worried about the way public funds are being used.

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Sourced:EWN

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