The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with concern media reports (see here and here) attempting to deflect public attention away from the crucial work of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Task Team.

In line with the resolutions of the ANC 52nd National Conference, the NHI Task Team is carrying out a mandate to address numerous challenges to improve the delivery of health care services to all South Africans. Implementation of the NHI will further strengthen public health care, also ensuring adequate provision of funding.

We will transform healthcare in South Africa and will not be deterred by narrow interest groups and individuals bent on undermining the introduction of NHI before its work is made public.

Unsubstantiated claims of an NHI "secret report" and "a non consultative" approach of the NHI Task Team are untrue and only seek to create public confusion.

The ANC is currently allowing internal processes on the NHI to be concluded before a formal public statement is released on the matter. We wish to reiterate that the ANC remains committed to a publicly funded, publicly administered NHI that provides quality health care to all citizens to realize free health care at the point of use.

NHI is a priority that forms part of our electoral mandate, and we will seek to work together with sectors of our society to ensure that NHI is fully implemented without delay.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress national spokesperson, June 8 2009

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