The second question is, I do not know what is wrong with Medical Aid Societies investing in the economy, for example, building clinics, hospitals and pathology facilities because it is an investment which helps the public sector that cannot provide these services. So, if you have got funds that can be invested to build those facilities, it is better because it will serve the nation. You find that some Medical Aid Societies will actually abuse membership subscriptions but if they can invest in medical infrastructure, I thought that is helping the country as a whole.
The other question is, is the Minister aware that doctors also through ZIMA, have not helped the situation. At times, they have been pushing up the costs of medical aid because they have been over servicing clients. That practice of over servicing clients to maximise on their earnings has to be investigated. You find that a patient can go to a doctor and present himself or herself with flu symptoms but what the doctor does now, is to prescribe a lot of unnecessary medicine on a simple symptom like flu. It is a rampant practice –[HON MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Hon. Dr. Parirenyatwa will know what I am talking about. So, I think you can educate us on that trend. I thank you.
HON. MLILO: It is good to note that our Minister of Health and Child Care is taking action with regards to the worsening health woes in the country. I would like to applaud him for that. I would like to believe as well that the measures he is prescribing are more of long term. In the interim, what is it that your Ministry is doing to create an ease of access to health facilities for these people that are on medical aid and at the same time, what is the Ministry doing to decongest the already congested hospitals because most doctors are now turning away patients and they are ending up going to seek attention in Government hospitals. I thank you.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: Honourable Minister, you talked of the disregard of approved tariffs and indeed, this has been going on for a very long time. Is that not a criminal offence? Certainly, it is and what are you doing as a Ministry to try and protect the public?
HON. MARIDADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I was worried because I am the mover of this motion. I wish to draw …
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is the worry about; I have recognised you and you should be very happy.
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