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Mandishona axing above board: PSMAS

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HEALTH insurer, Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), has confirmed it has fired managing director Henry Mandishona, saying the termination of his contract was done procedurally.

HEALTH insurer, Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), has confirmed it has fired managing director Henry Mandishona, saying the termination of his contract was done procedurally.

BY RICHARD CHIDZA

In a statement released yesterday, PSMAS said a disciplinary committee set up to investigate charges levelled against Mandishona had found him “guilty on the majority of the charges before recommending his dismissal”.

“On November 26, 2015, the society’s board of directors convened an urgent meeting to consider the determination and recommendations of the disciplinary authority aforesaid before unanimously endorsing the same. Mandishona has since been advised of his dismissal from employment,” the statement read.

Mandishona took charge of PSMAS in May following the dismissal of Cuthbert Dube.

But an eventful four months saw him suspended in September for, among other charges, undercutting the board led by Jeremiah Bvirindi on important decisions. Other charges reportedly related to mismanagement, abuse of funds, unprocedural appointments and some bordering on corruption.

PSMAS

Mandishona is also alleged to have travelled to South Africa to source for a computer system without board approval and recruiting the heads of human resources and finance departments without board approval.

He is also accused of using company funds for corporate social responsibility events which were not sanctioned by the board. The board said “some circles had sought” to create a relationship between Mandishona’s disciplinary issues and the forensic audit report compiled by Ernst & Young.

“(These) issues have no relationship whatsoever. In this regard, the society wishes to advise its members and stakeholders that the board is almost through with studying the voluminous report and that once this process is finalised, appropriate action will be taken,” the statement added.

“The society’s board of directors remains firmly in charge of the society and will continue to preserve its independence and the legal status of the society as a private, voluntary non-profit-making organisation owned by its 800 000-plus members.”

Public Service minister Prisca Mupfumira and her Health counterpart David Parirenyatwa have been accused of trying to arm-twist the board into reinstating Mandishona.

Parirenyatwa in particular stands accused of getting $100 000 “capitation fees” way above what he was owed.