National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill: Final Mandate

Meeting report

The Chairperson opened the meeting noting it was to consider and adopt the final mandate of the province on the National Health Insurance Bill [B11B-2019]. The Chairperson noted the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) had already concluded its processes on the mandates stage so the Committee should not expect to get a response to the mandate. Nevertheless, the Committee had to proceed with the mandate.

In principle, the Committee did not support the Bill but the ANC did and its minority view formed part of the Committee report submitted to the NCOP.

In this meeting, the Committee needed to indicate its support or non-support of the final mandate. He noted there was no opportunity for further amendments at this stage.

Ms R Windvogel (ANC) asked why the NCOP did not respond to the Committee. She received information that the NCOP Chairperson did respond. She asked for clarity.  

The Chairperson replied that correspondence was received from the Western Cape delegate in the NCOP but he could not confirm if correspondence was received from the NCOP Chairperson. He said he would not have written two follow up letters if a response was received from the NCOP Chairperson. He thanked Ms Windvogel for bringing the matter to his attention – he would investigate and respond back to the Committee.

Final mandate: NHI Bill

The Chairperson asked Members how they voted – support the Bill, not support the Bill or abstain.

Mr C Fry (DA) moved that the province not support the Bill.

Ms Windvogel raised her minority view to support the Bill.

The Chairperson said the Bill was not supported and the minority view of the ANC would be reflected. 

He noted the Bill would be debated in the NCOP in two days.

The meeting was adjourned.