While it was the prerogative of the Minister of Health David Parirenyatwa to respond to why the country had been plunged into a health crisis following the demand by some doctors that medical aid patients should pay cash from 1 July, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa also had to explain where the money deducted for medical aid was going.
This was pointed out by former Labour Minister Paurina Mpariwa who said Chinamasa should give a detailed account of how the money deducted was used.
“It should be known when the deductions were made whether the money was directed to PSMAS and there should be a detailed account to show how that money was used,” she said.
“My payslip shows that I belong to the pinnacle category. It means this is the highest level of contribution and I should be given the prerogative whenever I go for treatment but if you go along Nkwame Nkrumah Avenue, there is a pharmacy which displays a notice on the Medical Aid Societies that they accept. To my surprise, PSMAS is not included among the Medical Aid Societies which are accepted in that pharmacy and it means we cannot really shy away from the problem which we are facing and this includes Members of Parliament.
“My first question is that the amount which is deducted from civil servants to PSMAS is still existing? How much has been collected? When this money was deducted, was it rerouted to PSMAS because we know that if I have been banking my money at CABS, I can withdraw my money from the bank because I am afraid of bond notes.”
Full contribution:
*HON. MPARIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution. I am glad this motion has been supported by both sides. I know some of us are saying something different from others but you know whenever there is a gathering, there is supposed to be agreement and disagreement.
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