Dr Hlombe Makuluma, qualified general medical practitioner and a Certified Business and Executive Coach, has today during the crisis summit about the implications of the proposed National Health Insurance bill, discussed the impact the NHI will have on general health practitioners.

Dr. Makuluma said that primarily health care is about health. It is as simple as that. More emphasis should be placed on the role of the house doctor. “Will the NHI make the family physician great again? That is what we should ask.”

He also asks what the outcome is of that what we want? It should be health: “Health care is about health. Full stop. People should be able to choose according to their specific health needs.”

According to Dr Makuluma, communities and the practitioners should be empowered and informed on the proposed bill.

The relationship between a doctor and their patients are of cardinal value, but the proposed NHI bill won’t strengthen the relationship between the house doctor and the family.

Throughout the NHI bill the minister is the central figure and then the fund committees follow. The approach is a one size fits all approach. The impact on general practitioners will be destructive.

“The general practitioner won’t have an option to choose. And we want to be able to choose. My choices as general practitioner is also important.”

He says that everyone should have access to a house doctor when they feel the need to see one.

I cannot stand here today and tell you that the NHI is going to be completely good or completely bad, but people should be aware that the wind is blowing. You as general practitioner should be able to decide in which direction your practice is blowing.

More about the speaker:

Dr. Makuluma is the author of the book, The Business of Healthcare – Managing Your Private Practice and the director and founding member of The Institute for Health Professionals. The institute focuses on empowering health professionals across all disciplines with knowledge on the business and legal aspects of the profession, specifically operating health practices as businesses within the ethical and legal aspects as prescribed by various health councils.

His academic qualifications include:

• BSc (Microbiology and Biochemistry),
• MBChB – MEDUNSA
• PGD HIV/AIDS in the World of Work – University of Stellenbosch
• Advanced Management Programme – Manchester Business School
• MPhil – Sustainable Development Planning and Management – Stellenbosch
• Certificate in Business Coaching
• Medical Negligence Mediation Training (Conflict Dynamics)
• Currently studying for an MPhil Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Pretoria