Cape town: Government will undertake a further step in preparation of the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) by undertaking critical investment in health infrastructure. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.

According to South African Government News Agency, the NHI is aimed at achieving universal healthcare for all South Africans through a centralised national insurance fund. President Ramaphosa emphasized the upgrades in health facilities, personnel, and systems, aiming at improving access to quality care. The government plans to invest significantly in health infrastructure, focusing on the construction and revitalization of academic hospitals.

South Africa's public healthcare facilities serve more than 80% of the population, with only 16% of South Africans utilizing private facilities. President Ramaphosa highlighted his recent visit to George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, where he observed the effects of inadequate health infrastructure. The government, starting with George Mukhari Hospital, will collaborate with various public and private financing institutions to finance the construction and revitalization of healthcare facilities.

On the clinical side, President Ramaphosa outlined government initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer. A massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection proven effective in preventing HIV transmission, is planned. Additionally, efforts to eliminate cervical cancer include mobilizing society to ensure every young girl between the ages of 9 and 15 receives the HPV vaccine.