The matters detailed as before were tabled and discussed. We all realised some issues needed more time and further engagement but we sort to immediately avert the potential crisis that will be ushered in by the cash up position. We therefore implored ZiMA to give engagement more time. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development would look into how the taxation timing issue could be handled and the insurance were going to scrap the preferred provider approach and for those in arrears to work towards a framework to pay for claims within the statutory 60 days.
Both the providers as represented by ZiMA and the insurers as represented by AHFoZ as well as individually for some sort to reprieve to feed back their constituencies and revert to me with agreed positions on the proposed way forward. The discussion during which we all agreed on the need to protect the interest of the innocent client and patient were candid and frank. I am optimistic that ZiMA will give due consideration to our plea and I expect feedback on Monday, 27th June. We also agreed and committed to meet more regularly and address all the contentious areas methodically, including the regulatory provisions to address some grey areas not well articulated in the current Statutory Instrument.
To this end, my Ministry has embarked on the process of crafting a Bill for regulation of medical aid societies. The principles have been passed by Cabinet and the drafting process has started. We will consult widely in that process. I will keep this august House updated. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. We also want to thank the Minister for the statement. In his statement, the Minister appears to be getting towards a solution. However, I just need some two clarifications. Firstly, why did the situation have to deteriorate to the level where ZiMA have threatened not to accept medical aid cards whilst you were there? Were you not informed or privy of the situation that there was disagreement between the insurers and the health providers? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Secondly, you seem to indicate that part of your solution is that insurers must meet their obligations within the statutorily provided timeframe. How will the insurers be able to do that looking at the fact that most of the employers including Government is not remitting the deductions that are taken from members to the insurers? How then do you expect the insurers to meet their obligations on time?
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Minister, I heard you say that the Ministry wants to develop a policy. I wanted to find out how long it will take for them to develop that policy? What measures have they taken into consideration in order to expedite the process? How long will it take to craft the policy because people are suffering? That is what I would like to understand, since he mentioned that he wants to develop a policy to ensure that it does not deteriorate to a situation that was referred to by Hon. P. D. Sibanda because this is now an effect of what happened. So, how long will it take because Members of Parliament from both sides agreed that, yes, people are dying and we expect you to expedite that policy and I do not think any of the Members of Parliament will be against this policy. We want that policy crafted as soon as possible.
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