Tuesday 12 December 2023 - The International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is commemorated today, recognised by the United Nations, which signifies worldwide progressive efforts to build a world where we put health before profit, a world that is more equitable.

We salute the efforts of countries, largely led by a broad range of progressive forces, that have made significant strides in expanding health coverage and reducing financial barriers to healthcare.

However, we recognise that there is still much work to be done and this requires struggle against forces opposed to the very idea of eliminating health inequality.

Many people around the world, and here in South Africa, continue to face barriers to accessing good healthcare, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and premature deaths.

UHC Day is an important reminder of what National Health Insurance (NHI) in this country is all about, that access to good healthcare should be available to all, and should be free at the point of service.

Health is a fundamental human right, and in our country also a constitutional right, and through NHI we seek to progressively realise this right.

This requires that we roll back the dominance of profit-driven interests, producing conditions of our two-tier health system – one for the rich and better-off minority, and the other for the poor majority.

The UHC Day occurs against the backdrop of the historic passing of the NHI Bill last week, 6 December 2023, which marks a crucial step for the implementation of the NHI in South Africa.

On this day, the International Universal Health Coverage Day, the SACP calls for a broad front of organisations – the workers, youth, workers' professional organisations, healthcare providers in the rural and urban areas, small businesses, and individuals to come to defend and advance the policies and legal gains we have made on NHI.

Let us unite through a broad-front around the core principles of NHI:

• Universality of healthcare, in which access to health care is treated as a constitutional right for all South Africans, and not privilege for some.
• Comprehensive Services – Universal access to a broad range of health services people need, including promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
• A publicly funded and publicly administered NHI Fund. By investing in a strong universal health system and ensuring financial protection, the health outcomes will significantly improve and contribute to a more equitable and healthier society.

In the coming weeks and months, we will outline the agenda of such a broad front, as the battle for the accelerated implementation of NHI intensifies.

People Before Profit!

Hands Off NHI!

Our People Deserve Better!