South Africa’s healthcare industry is set to get a major boost after President Jacob Zuma promised free healthcare and hospital treatment for its country’s citizens. At a hospital opening in Upington, Northern Cape, President Zuma said the government would ensure that everyone had access to treatment: “We are currently working hard to bring into operation the National Health Service, a preventive health scheme that will ensure that quality health care is available to all regardless of economic or financial means.”

Local and international medical firms across all sectors, including training, equipment and pharmaceuticals, will benefit from the major investment set to be made by the South African government.

The country has already created over 300 new medical facilities in the last five years alone, including around 160 new clinics for treating a range of conditions. President Zuma also praised the success of the country’s HIV/Aids strategy, saying it was a success, but still had a target of getting around 4.6 million people into its antiretroviral  programme.