Govt to revoke medical aid society licences

28 Sep, 2014 - 06:09 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Shamiso Yikoniko Health Reporter
Medical aid societies that have not been paying healthcare providers and producing financial returns will not be allowed to operate in 2015.
Government has since communicated this to all the 31 societies in the country. The number of affected firms could not be established by the time of going to print.

It is, however, understood that most medical aid societies are failing to pay doctors’ consultation fees.
In addition, some are also not submitting financial returns to the Ministry of Health and Child Care in line with standing regulations.
The returns show each society’s financial position and essentially its viability.

In a letter to all health funders, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Brigadier-General (Dr) Gerald Gwinji, said: “The ministry wishes to inform you that all medical aid societies, schemes, should apply for the renewal of their operating licence by 29 November 2014 as provided for under Statutory Instrument 330 of 2004.

“Please note only those who successfully complied with the governing regulations will be allowed to operate in 2015, especially with regard to payment of service providers and financial returns.”

Medical aid societies are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in terms of the Medical Services Act.
The minister is mandated to monitor their activities, including execution of fiduciary responsibilities and financial performance.

In May, Government approved new consultation fees to help doctors meet rising operational costs.
General practitioners’ consultation fees were pegged at US$35, up from US$20, while specialists are now charging as much as US$120 for first visits.

Medical aid societies argue the fees are too high.
They have threatened to only cater for emergencies such as hospitalisation and general scheme members will have to opt for either council clinics or public hospitals.

In July, doctors, Ahfoz and the National Tariff and Liaison Committee met to discuss queries regarding the new fees.
Ahfoz offered to pay US$25 for first visits and US$18 for subsequent ones, saying only 60 percent of its bill was being collected from members.
Medical practitioners rejected the offer.

Section 16 A (c) (ii) of the Medical Services Regulations of 2000 compels doctors and hospitals to abide by gazetted tariffs, but is unclear on whether medical aid societies are also bound to pay.

Over 1,6 million Zimbabweans are on medical aid cover.

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