South Africa’s Universal Health Coverage Will Benefit Devicemakers

South Africa’s Department of Health released its plan for a national universal healthcare system that will affect how medical devices are reimbursed. Devicemakers also are expected to benefit from the scheme as new regional clinics are built and medical equipment is purchased.

During 2018 to 2019, the department will phase in a revised pricing and remuneration structure for universal health services. A National Health Pricing Advisory Committee will develop a risk-adjusted capitation system and a hospital reimbursement system, according to the newly released plan.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) plan calls for expanded access to laboratory services, which requires setting, monitoring and enforcing quality standards for laboratory services. NHI will cover costs associated with lab services and will contract with certified and accredited private laboratory service providers as needed. The NHI Benefits Advisory Committee will determine the laboratory services to be reimbursed.