The Democratic Alliance (DA) averred on Friday that the signing of the Health Compact is nothing more than a “blatant attempt to coerce and feign support” for the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

On Thursday, Acting President Paul Mashatile signed the pact at the Union Buildings, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa appointed Mashatile as Acting President, following medical advice that he allow an eye infection to clear.

This is the second Heath Compact to be signed after the first was signed in 2018 by Ramaphosa.

DA spokesperson on health Michele Clarke highlighted that the second Health Compact undermined the good-will and collaboration between government and various stakeholders, including health professionals, the business community, and labour unions to improve South Africa’s health sector as called for by the first Compact.

“The fact that the Health Compact was signed despite widespread concerns and without proper engagement from the President about these concerns mimics the public participation charade in Parliament before the NHI Act was signed,” said Clarke.

Business Unity South Africa and the South African Health Professionals Collaboration, including the South African Medical Association, on principle refused to sign the Compact, which it said used the destructive NHI Act as its basis.

“In his speech the Acting President stated that the private sector has a crucial role to play in healthcare, yet government treats consultation with the sector as nothing more than a box-ticking exercise,” said Clarke.

Meanwhile, Health Portfolio Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the signing marked a significant milestone in government’s collective journey towards improving the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Dhlomo pointed out that the Compact assigned roles and responsibilities to a broad range of stakeholders to support the strengthening and preparation of health systems for the implementation of the NHI.

He said the Presidential Health Compact represented a unified commitment to enhancing the country’s healthcare system, ensuring that every citizen had access to quality health services.

“…this Compact is not merely a document; it is a promise to prioritise health as a fundamental human right and addresses the systemic challenges that have long plagued our healthcare landscape,” he added.

He noted that in recent years, the Department of Health had witnessed the impact of various health crises, which he said had underscored the urgent need for a cohesive and collaborative approach to health governance.