The Sunday Mail
Tracy Panashe
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has criticised the Ministry of Health and Child Care for unilaterally setting new medical tariffs. CCZ executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said the fees were unjustified and must be reduced forthwith to clear the way for all-encompassing stakeholder consultations.
“It was improper for Government to gazette the fees. If fees are raised, doctors will not help patients (at public health institutions).
“They will refer them to their surgeries where they know they will get more money.
“Government failed to foresee the problems that patients are facing now.
“Nonetheless, the solution to the impasse between doctors and medical aid societies is one of simple economics.
“For example, if fuel prices are increased, bus fares will also automatically increase.
“The same applies here, because medical aid societies would need to also raise members’ contributions to meet the new tariffs,” she said.
