Knowledge, awareness and readiness of private sector doctors practising in the Ethekweni and Ugu districts of KwaZulu-Natal province for the implementation of the National Health Insurance

Background: The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to improve quality of care and equity in healthcare financing for all South Africans. Successful implementation requires participation by stakeholders, such as private sector doctors who play an important role in healthcare delivery. A study was conducted to determine their knowledge, awareness and readiness for the implementation of the NHI.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out by administering close-ended anonymous questionnaires to private-sector doctors in the South region of KwaZulu-Natal. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15. 0.Results: The response rate was 70%; the majority were male with 56% of respondents in the age group 41–60 years. Over 68% had satisfactory knowledge about NHI, whilst 24 (3%) had good knowledge (p 0.05); doctors with satisfactory knowledge indicated their preference for NHI information via circulars and newspapers. Some 64% believed that they have the necessary skills to implement the NHI, but are not completely ready regarding infrastructure and resources.Conclusions: The majority have satisfactory knowledge, awareness and believe they have the necessary skills to participate in the NHI. However, the government needs to increase knowledge and awareness, and to improve infrastructure and resources in order for effective implementation of the NHI