EXCLUSIVE- Vice Minister of Finance reassures private sector of a role in new healthcare system: Vice Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait attempted to reassure private sector healthcare providers and insurance companies that the Universal Healthcare Act guarantees a role for the private sector in the new system under Article 10 of the law. In an interview with Enterprise, Maait encouraged private healthcare providers to join in the new system. He noted, however, that prices for insurance policies would be determined by the new healthcare regulators.

Maait statements comes despite the lack of clarity on the role of the private sector in leaked copies of the executive regulations of the act, which were issued by the Ismail Cabinet on Tuesday. Maait said he had not seen the recent draft of the regulations as these were the purview of the Health Ministry. Past media reports had run statements attributed to Maait claiming that the regs would outline a framework for the private sector.

Maait also confirmed that the new taxes mandated by the act would come into effect in the next fiscal year, which will begin in July. These will include a sin tax on tobacco and fees on issuing licenses. He did not mention the nationwide tax on businesses or the healthcare sector tax which were also mandated by the law.

As for the government covering those unable to pay premiums into the national health insurance scheme, Maait said that actuarial studies indicated that the government will pay for 35% of those who will be insured by the system.