The Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) board is insisting on going ahead with a hearing against suspended managing director, Henry Mandishona despite a recent directive by Public Service minister Priscah Mupfumira and Health minister David Parirenyatwa that he be reinstated.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
This also comes amid reports that Mupfumira was preparing for the dissolution of the PSMAS board, in a development which could see the government once again being directly involved in the operations of the society.
PSMAS board chairman, Jeremiah Bvirindi yesterday said there were no changed circumstances in Mandishona’s case.
“Our lawyers are dealing with the issue and as far as we are concerned, we have not heard anything that indicates that the hearings will be stopped,” he said.
Mandishona has reportedly written to Mupfumira, seeking a hearing with the Ministry of Labour before the conclusion of the PSMAS board investigation into his conduct.
Asked if he was aware of Mandishona’s letter to Mupfumira, Bvirindi professed ignorance.
He added that the case had been held up because Mandishona had requested for more time.
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“The delays were at his request because he sought at least two postponements during the same period so this cannot be blamed on us,” Bvirindi said.
Mandishona is reportedly also arguing that the legal 30-day period in which his hearing must have been concluded has lapsed.
The PSMAS boss was suspended on a litany of allegations, including undercutting the PSMAS board on important appointments and other “underhand expenses”.
However, Mupfumira and Parirenyatwa came to his rescue, forcing Bvirindi and his board to reinstate him.
The decision was, however, reversed after a member of the society, Emmanuel Mwale, went to court saying government should stay out of PSMAS affairs.
It has since emerged that Parirenyatwa was paid over $100 000 in “capitation fees”, although his dues were nowhere near the staggering figure.
As tempers flare and the internal fights for control of PSMAS continue unabated, sources claim Mupfumira has jumped to the stricken Mandishona’s defence.
“The issue that Mupfumira wants, not only to stop Mandishona’s hearings, but to dismiss the board is now a common story within PSMAS,” an impeccable source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
“Mupfumira wants to preside over the case, or better still, set up a team to hear Mandishona’s case.”
The Labour minister was not answering her phone when NewsDay tried to get a comment from her.
Mandishona could also not be reached for comment.
