Public Participation: Draft Interim Block Exemption for Tariffs Determination in the Healthcare Sector, 2025

The South African government has introduced the Draft Interim Block Exemption for Tariffs Determination in the Healthcare Sector, 2025, aiming to regulate healthcare service tariffs and standardise medical codes. While intended to enhance affordability and transparency, this move presents yet another case where the GNU wishes to increase the power of the executive branch of government. This “Block Exemption” presents a lot of room for potential overreach through the above mentioned centralisation, which could impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, as well as South Africa’s global competitiveness, which is greatly impacted by our strong private healthcare sector.
  • Closed: 28 March 2025
Make your voice heard
More about this exemption
In the media

Speak up, be heard, take a stand!

To ensure your voice is heard, submit your written comments on the draft exemption by 28 March 2025. Your participation is crucial in shaping a healthcare system that balances regulation with the autonomy and diversity necessary for quality patient care.

This campaign closed on 28 March 2025

More about this exemption

Key Concerns with the Draft Exemption

  1. Centralisation of Tariff Setting: The exemption proposes a collective determination of healthcare service tariffs. Historically the term “collective” has meant “central”, potentially limiting the autonomy of healthcare providers and leading to a one-size-fits-all pricing model.

  2. Standardisation of Medical Codes: While standardisation aims for uniformity, it may not account for regional and contextual differences in healthcare needs, possibly compromising patient care. Additionally, the choice of the consumer is not at all considered in such standardisation. The challenges experienced by similar approaches in other countries seem not to have been properly benchmarked.

  3. Governmental Oversight: The establishment of a Tariffs Governing Body (TGB) and a Multilateral Negotiating Forum (MLNF) under government oversight could lead to excessive control over healthcare practices, stifling innovation and responsiveness.

  4. Impact on Private Healthcare: The regulations might deter private healthcare investments, reducing competition and potentially leading to a decline in service quality. The attractiveness of private healthcare as international investment will also suffer under less autonomy.

What we’re advocating for

  • Balanced Approach: Encourage a collaborative framework that includes input from healthcare providers, funders, and patients to ensure that tariff determinations are fair and context-sensitive.

  • Preservation of Autonomy: Advocate for policies that allow healthcare providers to maintain decision-making authority to cater to diverse patient needs effectively.

  • Transparent Processes: Demand clear and open procedures in the establishment and operation of the TGB and MLNF, ensuring accountability and public trust.

  • Support for Private Sector: Promote an environment where private healthcare can thrive alongside public services, offering citizens diverse and quality healthcare options.

How you can help

  • Stay Informed: Read the full draft exemption to understand its implications.

  • Share Your Views: Submit your comments and concerns to the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition by 28 March 2025.

  • Engage in Discussions: Participate in community forums and discussions to raise awareness and foster collective action.

  • Support Advocacy Groups: Align with organisations that promote balanced and fair healthcare policies, amplifying your voice through collective efforts.

In the media

IOL Article
SABC Article

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