Ramaphosa of South Africa will sign a health insurance measure into law shortly before elections

According to a statement from the country’s administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa will sign a national health bill into law on Wednesday with the goal of giving all South Africans access to healthcare.

Just before the national election on May 29 that might put the African National Congress’ 30-year rule to the test, the popular bill on health insurance will be signed into law.

After being approved by parliament last year, the bill would be implemented gradually at a cost of billions of dollars. Ramaphosa gave his consent to it.

Three decades after the end of white minority rule, the law seeks to offer healthcare to millions of impoverished citizens through a comprehensive revamp of a two-tier system that still reflects severe racial and social inequities.

Business organizations have voiced their strong opposition to the proposal, claiming it will hurt South Africa’s already precarious economy and result in disinvestment in the healthcare industry.

Political analysts predict that even when the measure is signed, significant changes will not likely occur very soon.