MPs Demand PSMAS Resuscitation
By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – The long-simmering crisis surrounding the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) scheme for civil servants recently took centre stage in Parliament as Honourable members demanded knowledge on what measures Government was taking to restore confidence in the failing health insurer.
After years of mismanagement, looting and corruption at PSMAS, which led to its downfall, with some employees and top managers being arrested, Masvingo Proportional Representation Member of Parliament, Hon. Matara, questioned government’s position in restoring PSMAS to its former self.
“Most civil servants cannot get treatment under PSMAS anymore. What is the Ministry doing to fix this?” Hon. Matara asked.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, acknowledged the problems at PSMAS, blaming past mismanagement.
He said the Ministry has since appointed an interim board to stabilize operations at the society.
“There was gross mismanagement of funds. As a Ministry, we have now appointed an interim board and stopped all payouts to bring reforms,” he said.
“We have since engaged the Ministry of Finance, and they have resumed funding.
“We expect PSMAS cards to be fully functional by the end of this month (April),” Dr. Mombeshora said.
Parliamentarians however expressed skepticism, with Rushinga law-maker, Honourable Tendai Nyabani, asking the commitment inthe changes as civil servants continue being denied access to health care.
“How can we trust these reforms when people have been dying without treatment?” He asked.
Minister Mombeshora said an audit of the institution is currently underway, there after improved services are expected.
“We regret the delays. But steps have been taken.
“A full audit is ongoing, and we expect improved service delivery going forward,” the Minister said.
