Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
PREMIER Service Medical Aid Society members last week overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, marking a decisive step aimed at restoring accountability, financial stability and service efficiency within one of Zimbabwe’s largest medical aid societies.
The landmark decision, which marks a major turning point in PSMAS’s recovery journey, was endorsed at a special general meeting attended by more than 4 000 members in Harare last Monday.
The majority voted in favour of constitutional amendments proposed by the interim management committee, which was appointed to stabilise the institution following years of financial turbulence and governance lapses.
Confirming the development, PSMAS interim manager Dr Simon Nyadundu said the meeting had been successfully convened to pave the way for a new governance era.
The adoption of the new constitution is widely seen as a critical reform milestone for the 85-year-old society, which provides healthcare coverage to thousands of civil servants and private-sector employees.
According to sources close to the process, the revised constitution brings PSMAS into full alignment with Statutory Instrument 330 of 2000, which governs the operations of medical aid societies in Zimbabwe.
This legal framework mandates key provisions relating to payment of benefits, membership continuity, investment of funds and transparency in governance.
Significant amendments were introduced to modernise the Society’s operations and strengthen its governance framework.
One key amendment clarifies the legal status and membership structure of PSMAS.
This change is intended to eliminate past ambiguities around who qualifies as a member, how membership is maintained and the extent of members’ rights and obligations.
By clearly defining these parameters, the Society aims to foster transparency and ensure that all members are treated fairly and consistently.
Another amendment strengthens the procedures for handling complaints and engaging with members.
This seeks to improve communication between the Society and its members, ensuring that grievances are addressed promptly and efficiently.
The new system will create structured feedback and redress mechanisms to restore confidence among members who, in the past, felt their concerns were often ignored.
The new constitution also redefines the composition and appointment process of the board, the principal officer and auditors.
This measure is designed to enhance accountability and prevent conflicts of interest by ensuring that leadership positions are filled through transparent and merit-based processes.
It also promotes regular rotation and oversight, key elements of sound corporate governance.
Additionally, the Society has revised the procedures for convening and conducting general meetings to promote greater inclusivity and accountability.
This will enable more members to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes, ensuring that major policy and financial resolutions reflect the collective will of the Society’s membership.
Collectively, these reforms are expected to build a stronger governance structure, improve transparency and align PSMAS with international best practices in the management of mutual health insurance schemes.
However, certain long-standing provisions were retained to maintain operational continuity while embedding stronger governance safeguards that meet both member expectations and regulatory standards.
Although some labour union leaders had campaigned against the proposed changes, circulating messages urging members to reject the constitution, their efforts fell flat as the overwhelming majority endorsed the reforms.
“Some union leaders, who seem to have been opposing the constitution and had been circulating communiques to members to vote against the constitution, failed to garner the necessary support as the members clearly indicated the need to strengthen the institution and closing gaps by changing the constitution,” said one source who attended the meeting.
Before the vote, Dr Nyadundu — flanked by the interim committee that includes union and Government representatives — explained that the reforms were designed to improve operational efficiency, restore financial stability and embed modern corporate governance practices.
The successful adoption of the constitution, sources said, represents a renewed member-driven commitment to rebuilding PSMAS into a resilient, transparent and service-oriented organisation.
The reforms come after years of instability at PSMAS, which had been plagued by financial mismanagement, weak oversight and collapsing service delivery.
