An amount of R2,8 billion had been reprioritised within the NHI indirect grant to fund critical health professional and community services posts. As much as the ANC supported this initiative, it recommended that there must be a clear and direct link between filling posts and the implementation of the NHI. The implementation of the National Health Insurance as a policy change in the health sector offers some potential for rural-proofing by creating work opportunities while simultaneously ensuring that rural populations gain equal access to health services when compared to those living in cities. To gear for the implementation of the NHI, the government can focus on ensuring that rural amenities such as clinics