Parliament has passed the National Health Insurance Bill.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the NHI is one of the most revolutionary pieces of legislation presented to the National Assembly since the dawn of democracy.

The minister says that due to the current financial situation South Africa finds itself in, it needs affordable healthcare.

Phaahla says it’s unjust that almost all healthcare professionals are trained at the expense of taxpayers but once they become specialists and super specialists, they’re only available for the country’s top payer.

He was referring to citizens who cannot afford medical aid.

The minister called on MPs to create the legal framework and foundation for the noble aims embodied in the Freedom Charter and the country’ constitution.