Motsoaledi Denies Vilifying Medical Aid Schemes

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has denied accusations of vilifying private medical aid schemes, stating that these schemes are not actively involved in preventing non-communicable diseases NCDs.

During a Social Cluster Ministerial oral reply session in the National Council of Provinces, Motsoaledi responded to a question from the Democratic Alliance's Igor Scheurkogel. He highlighted the issue of prevention, particularly regarding contraception. Motsoaledi criticized medical aids for refusing to cover the cost of contraceptive pills, which are essential for preventing unwanted pregnancies and the complications that can arise from backstreet abortions.

Motsoaledi pointed out the financial disparity, noting that while a contraceptive pill costs R60, the cost of intensive care for complications from unsafe abortions can reach R100,000. He emphasized that raising these issues is not about vilification but about the importance of primary health care.