/ 20 January 1995

Editorial The Deeble dabble

THE “Deeble” option for a national health insurance policy — the one favoured by the Ministry of Health –may be the best of the three currently under consideration. That has yet to be proven. In fact, a number of highly-respected health policy experts have suggested that it is flawed and the government is allowing itself to be rushed into accepting it.

Why then is Health Minister Nkosazana Zuma so eager to adopt this plan, cast the others aside and drive ahead? While her single-minded determination is to be admired, there is a real danger that she is opting for the short- term political kudos to be won from a quick implementation of a new plan, rather than a full, lengthy debate to ensure that a considered, informed and correct decision is made.

The joy of the new South Africa is that we are now able to debate fully and openly the merits of social policy. No longer are we tied to the sterile debates of the past, but we are engaged in the pleasures of thrashing out the details of a new social order — such as a plan to give better health coverage to the majority of South Africans.

Certainly, the minister is to be praised for her impatience. The quicker a health plan can be designed and implemented, the better. But to do so without laying the proper policy base could be disastrous. Rather a medium- term delay in getting the right policy than quick implementation of the wrong policy. We may have to live for many years to come with mistakes made in haste at this early stage.

The Ministry of Health has gagged its staff from speaking to the media about these issues, creating a climate of caution and silence.

It has also not released the report of its own financial committee that raises serious questions about the Deeble proposal. The process the ministry has followed so far has ignored the ANC’s promise of transparency and accountability.

What is needed is open and informed debate, so that the profession and the public can be convinced that the minister is right to choose the Deeble plan — or can convince her to change her mind.