South African doctors’ association calls for probe into R182m NHI tender — Daily Maverick
The South African Medical Association (Sama) has asked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to involve the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in reviewing a R182 million tender for a PR campaign for National Health Insurance (NHI). Daily Maverick reports, citing an investigation by News24.
Contracts for PR campaigns
According to Daily Maverick, South Africa’s Department of Health allocated R182 million to two small PR companies for campaigns supporting the NHI plan. The publication writes that these contracts had no set spending cap and that funds could have been redirected from essential healthcare system programmes.
As stated in the report, KMTV, headed by former City Press editor Khathu Mamaila, received R146 million over two years. Dots Design, linked to Musa Likobo, reportedly received R39 million.
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Daily Maverick stresses that the investigation does not contain allegations of personal enrichment by NHI law architect Nicholas Crisp or Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale. At the same time, the publication raises questions about oversight of the programme’s planning and budgeting.
Sama’s position and disputes surrounding NHI
Sama CEO Mzulungile Nodikida said the association is concerned about the reported possibility of using funding for critical programmes, including in the areas of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and child nutrition, as NHI appropriations. According to her, communication campaigns should not take place at the expense of healthcare delivery amid financial and operational pressure on the healthcare system.
The NHI law has been challenged by eight organisations, including Sama. Daily Maverick writes that the law is on hold while negotiations take place on another model of universal healthcare coverage. The proposed system provides for centralised procurement of medical goods and services by a board appointed by the minister.
