adminCimas Medical Aid Society on Tuesday said it is not in danger of losing its operating licence, dismissing media reports to the contrary. A local weekly on Sunday reported that government had given the health insurer a seven-day ultimatum to honour all outstanding claims or lose its licence. “We will revoke the temporary licence that we had given to Cimas if it fails to settle claims not only to Corporate 24 but to all other companies that include Zimbabwe Medical Association and other pharmaceutical companies in the next seven days,” Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Aldrin Musiiwa was quoted as saying.
Cimas has for months now refused to cover subscribers who access Corporate 24’s medical services, following receipt of what it termed a large number of “suspect” claims.
The dispute has seen Cimas directing its more than 30 000 members, to use other service providers despite having been told by government to allow subscribers to access medical services at institutions of their choice.
Cimas managing director Roderick Takawira allayed the closure fears and said discussions with the authorities were taking place to resolve the stand-off.
“We would like to reassure members and the public that we are engaging the authorities over the matter and that the society is in a sound financial position, and has no no-compliance issues. Cimas is licensed until March 31, 2017,” he said.
Takawira said a forensic audit into claims submitted by Corporate 24 had been commissioned.
“We believe that the outcome of the audit should determine whether or not Cimas resumes direct payments to Corporate 24.”
In February, Secretary for Health Dr Gerald Gwinji wrote to both Cimas and Corporate 24 imploring them to resolve the issue.
Last year, Cimas also had disputes with the National Physicians Association of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association and the Retail Pharmacists Association of Zimbabwe over various matters.
In 2000, Cimas was locked in a similar dispute with laboratory group Lancet and the matter spilled into the courts and only took government intervention to break the impasse. – New Ziana
Online Reporter