The Sunday Mail
Shamiso Yikoniko and Debra Matabvu
Medical aid societies should be treated as full-fledged insurance companies regulated in terms of statutes governing that sector, experts have said.
Zimbabwe Insurance and Pensions Trust general manager Mr Martin Tarusenga said medical fee reviews remain contentious because health funders are operating under the wrong portfolio.
“The problem with health insurance companies is that they have been operating according to their own terms without subscribing to how premiums must be charged.
“We debated the issue at a recent stakeholders’ meeting and health funders were adamant on remaining under the Ministry of Health and Child Care. However, our view is that health insurance companies must be placed under the insurance sector for effective regulation.
“A Memorandum of Understanding between the insurance sector and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should then be drafted. The parent ministry should – in this MoU – outline how health funders must operate and effectively serve the health industry.”
Mr Tarusenga added: “Before subscribers are charged a premium, serious consideration should be taken on whether the cost will cover other related expenses, especially those of service providers. I doubt if this has been done.
“If it is said medical aid societies raised contribution rates four times since dollarisation. What has been their justification for doing this?”
Mrs Lydia Tanyanyiwa, managing director of Minerva risk and insurance company, said doctors and medical aid societies should continue dialoguing.
“Where there is an impasse, ordinary people are the ones who are most affected. In this case, patients are the ones suffering the most. They are either turned away or made to pay a shortfall.
“So, there is need for extensive dialogue and engagement. I don’t think the two parties have engaged extensively on the matter,” she said.
