SA’s National Health Insurance (NHI) financial framework is under growing scrutiny amid constitutional challenges and limited Budget 2026 allocations. Government has delayed implementation of the NHI Act pending a Constitutional Court ruling, while analysts warn the policy promises universal coverage without fully developed operational systems. About R9.3bn has been earmarked over the medium term, but this falls short of the funding required for a full single-payer model. National Treasury has also retained medical scheme tax credits, signalling caution and a desire to protect private healthcare affordability.