By ZBC Reporter
Medical aid societies in Zimbabwe will now be regulated by the Medical Aid Societies Regulatory Authority, which will be under the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
This was said by Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services during yesterday’s cabinet briefing.
Minister Mutsvangwa said that Cabinet considered the submissions made on the Regulation of Medical Aid Space Societies as proposed in the Insurance and Pensions Commission Bill, which were presented by Vice President as Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga.
“Cabinet noted that since medical aid societies are not for profit enterprises and represent members’ efforts to pool funds to assist in covering health bills and expenses, it is best international practice for such entities to be regulated by independent authorities with expertise to deal with the complex and peculiar aspects of the medical industry and should be under the oversight of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
She added, “Cabinet resolved to establish the Medical Aid Societies Regulatory Authority under Ministry of Health and Child Care. Accordingly, Cabinet approved that medical aid be separated from general insurance, that is, exclusion of medical aid societies from the Insurance and Pensions Commission Bill.”
Health insurance in Zimbabwe has been out of reach for many as medical aid societies continuously hike contributions especially for members paying in local currency.