South African health industry sees reform coming

[tabatha]

By DONNA BRYSON (AP) – 13 hours ago

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa's governing party is looking to phase in government-administered universal health care within the next five years, and unlike the raging battle in the United States most here believe the plan will pass.

Even an insurance executive on Thursday acknowledged at a public forum that the gulf between South Africa's poor majority and the wealthy few must be closed.

"It is not morally OK for some of us to continue with the status quo," said Joe Seoloane, an executive with Pro Sano, a South African medical scheme as insurance companies are known here. "It is just so obvious that something has to change."

Seoloane also recommended that the audience of other executives, doctors and hospital administrators see "Sicko," the documentary in which Michael Moore accuses the U.S. health industry of greed and ignoring patients' needs.

The governing African National Congress party wants to pass universal health insurance before President Jacob Zuma's first term ends in five years.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gu9SXoC_G2gSAgfR-Fh-XD9x_FFQD9AP4LTG0

[Libertas1776]

1. South Africa,

the country who has a gap between the rich and poor greater than ours (although we seem to be closing in on that record) and who had institutionalized segregation until the early 90s is going to implement true health care reform that will bring coverage for all and...wait, what's that? Even their Insurance executives are on board and recognize it as a moral necessity...AND THEY PLUGGED THE MOVIE "SICKO?!!!!"

That's it I give up...I really give the fuck up. Where are my bags? I need to pack.

[tabatha]

2. Yep, they put our insurance companies to shame.