South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to sign a national health bill into law on Wednesday, with the aim of providing universal coverage to South Africans, according to a statement from the country's presidency.
The National Health Insurance bill, which is popular among voters, will be signed shortly before the May 29 national election, which is expected to test the ruling African National Congress' 30-year grip on power.
The bill, which will be rolled out gradually at a significant cost, received Ramaphosa's approval after being passed by lawmakers last year. It seeks to overhaul the current two-tier healthcare system, which still reflects deep racial and social disparities, even decades after the end of white minority rule.
Despite its popularity, the legislation has faced strong opposition from business groups, who argue that it could lead to disinvestment in the healthcare sector and further strain South Africa's already fragile economy. Political analysts suggest that tangible changes might not materialize quickly, even after the bill becomes law.