ANC Promises National Health Insurance

Zuma has spoken of the ANC's national health insurance plans He reiterated the importance of bringing health care to millions who can't afford it

Jacob Zuma, the Head of the African National Congress, spoke of his plans to develop national health insurance in South Africa once the upcoming elections are over.

Zuma, speaking in Johannesburg, said that plans had been drawn up for a scheme before the global crisis hit, however, he was as determined as ever to make them a reality.

"We have looked at it, how we are going to do it," said Zuma. "Certainly, it might not be at a level that it was if there was no economic crisis, but we believe we can do it."

"The National Executive Committee set up a sub committee to work on this plan ... and even costed it," said Zuma.

He reiterated the importance of bringing a national health insurance scheme to the millions of South Africans and said: "It's a national imperative and we have got to do it. We have to find the resources for it."

Unfortunately, Zuma's enthusiasm was not shared by other political parties in South Africa.

The Inkatha Freedom Party blasted Zuma's attempts at what it terms "pre-election evergreen" and said in a statement that the African National Congress had been promising to develop National Health Insurance since 1994 - with nothing showing for their attempts.

"Instead of delivering one, their health policies have devastated state hospitals and aggravated the scope of the HIV/Aids pandemic," said Inkatha.

It is hoped that a National Health Insurance plan will assist South Africans, especially the underprivileged, afford the the most basic healthcare and set about diminishing the gigantic par between those who can afford it and those who cannot.