We have about 1.2 million people who were contributing to medical aid societies and they are now being denied treatment. They are told they should pay cash up-front. 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. I know some people are saying the Minister should not come and address us on this issue but this is prudent because none of us have an answer to the question and therefore we have members of the Cabinet who were mandated by His Excellency to come and address such issues. We also have the Minister of Finance and Economic Development who deducts the money on pay slips to come and explain whether the monies were directed to the Medical Aid Societies. 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.
My second point is that when we are talking about health issues, we have people who joined in 2013 and they have never accessed any health care services. We have problems in that deductions are being carried out on your salary and yet when you go for treatment, you are asked to pay cash upfront. Right now the banks are giving $100 a day but when you have an emergency and the doctor asks for $250, what are you going to do? By contributing to a Medical Aid Society, you will be actually investing in situations when you need assistance. This is a matter which needs the Minister of Health to respond to.
A lot of people have unanswered questions concerning the statement that was published yesterday that doctors will not accept medical aid cards. We have been told that there are close to 36 medical aid providers but there is need for clarity on this matter so that we can explain to people in our constituencies. If the Minister fails to give an explanation, he should refer the matter to his principal so that we can get a position on the way forward.
The Minister needs to urgently address this situation and not wait for members of the opposition to ask questions. The Minister should be amenable to receive advice even from the opposition because this is a matter that calls for concerted efforts. We are all Zimbabweans and this is our Government but if people decide to shun advice from the opposition, we will not get anywhere. I thank you.
Ps: Mpariwa made her contribution before Health Minister David Parirenyatwa gave his response. Here is Parirenyatwa’s full response.
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