By Wayne Janneker, Portfolio Executive: Healthcare at BCX
The National Health Insurance (NHI) and collaboration were the topics on everyone’s lips at the recent Health Innovation Summit Africa 2024. Industry experts and key stakeholders from the health sector gathered to unpack this year’s theme: Transforming African Healthcare: Harnessing Technology for Universal Access and Innovation. The Summit served as a crucial platform for addressing the pressing issues in African healthcare, with a particular focus on the role of technology in achieving universal healthcare.
At the heart of these discussions was the recognition that a two-tier health system, which separates public and private healthcare, is not sustainable. The NHI envisions an inclusive health sector where everyone has access to quality healthcare, irrespective of their financial status. However, achieving this vision requires more than just policy changes; it demands a robust and collaborative approach, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare.
In the current landscape, patients often face long wait times, complicated processes, and limited access to the services they need. This not only impacts their health outcomes but also erodes trust in the healthcare system. By adopting technologies that streamline processes and improve accessibility, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves its users.
Merlin Pillay from the National Department of Health highlighted the importance of creating a comprehensive and interoperable digital information system for the NHI to be effective. According to Pillay, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to drive this agenda forward. “We cannot work in silos,” he stated. “For the NHI to succeed, we need a shared commitment to using technology as an enabler for universal healthcare.”