NHI won't cover cosmetic surgery

2011-08-12 07:37

Johannesburg - Cosmetic surgery and expensive dental procedures will not be covered by the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) system, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in a radio news report on Friday.

"The state is committed to offering a wide range of services, as wide a range as possible," he told the SABC.

The NHI would offer care at all levels, but would not stretch to procedures that were not necessary to patients' health, he added.

Meanwhile, the SA Medical Association (Sama) said doctors' input is necessary for the successful implementation of the proposed NHI scheme.

Speaking to the SABC, Sama chairperson Norman Mabasa said 30% of South Africa's doctors were in the public sector and 70% in the private sector.

"It is clear and obvious that for any successful implementation they would need the participation of the 70% that are not in the system," he said.

- SAPA