# Massive wave of doctors leaving South Africa ahead of the NHI

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/2019/08/12/massive-wave-of-doctors-leaving-south-africa-ahead-of-the-nhi/
- Published: 2019-08-12T11:54:37+02:00
- Author: dearSA

![](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20191306/Screenshot-
2019-08-12T115003.352.png "doctors leaving South Africa")

Experts have warned that the incoming National Health Insurance (NHI) may be dead
on arrival as a large number of doctors plan to leave South Africa or have already
left.

The incoming NHI will rely on a large network of doctors to service patients around
the country, with government promising ‘universal health coverage’.

However, the**[ Sunday Times](https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2019-08-11-nhi-may-be-healthcares-mortal-blow/)**
reports that the bill has renewed fears about mass emigration of doctors and other
health professionals, which would kill any health plan that relies explicitly on
there being more doctors.

Speaking to the paper, Dr Chris Archer, CEO of the South African Private Practitioners
Forum said that his members are extremely concerned and that the bill may drive 
emigration as “those who want to leave see it as a reason to do so”.

Profmed medical aid CEO Craig Comrie said that health professionals are already 
emigrating.

Comrie said Profmed’s members are mainly health professionals, of whom 17% leave
each year. This rose to 30% in June and July.

Alex van den Heever, Wits School of Governance professor, added that he expects 
medical professionals to emigrate in their hundreds, joining their countrymen in
countries like Dubai and Australia.

**Research**

These concerns align with research published by **[Solidarity](https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/266555/a-worrying-number-of-doctors-say-they-will-consider-leaving-south-africa-if-nhi-is-implemented/)**,
which has previously warned that the introduction of the NHI could lead to a mass
exodus of doctors from the country.

One of the most worrying findings in the survey was that 83.2% of healthcare workers
believed that private health professionals will leave the country if the NHI is 
implemented. 43% of the respondents said that they themselves would consider emigrating.

There was also a firm belief that the scheme would completely destabilise the country’s
healthcare as a result.

The major points of concern are:

 * Shortages of specialists, doctors, nursing staff and other healthcare workers;
 * Financial management of the NHI;
 * Purchasing and distribution of medicines and equipment; and
 * Maintenance of infrastructure and equipment.[Article](https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/334069/massive-wave-of-doctors-leaving-south-africa-ahead-of-the-nhi/)
   by BusinessTech