THE Jeremiah Bvindi-led Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) board members have reportedly pocketed a hefty $50 000 each as sitting allowances in the last six months as the looting of public funds continues unabated at the institution.
By Staff Reporter
According to figures presented at the PSMAS annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, directors’ fees jumped from $431 989 in 2015 to $601 738 in 2016.
PSMAS members also heard that each of the 11 directors claimed over $50 000 per year, as the board splashed another $400 000 on vehicle purchases.
Members accused the Bvirindi-led board of milking the society dry at a time service delivery had taken a heavy knock, with some doctors and service providers withdrawing their services over non-payment of claims estimated at around $200 million.
Ironically, Bvirindi’s board replaced the Cuthbert Dube-led executive, which was booted out after an Ernst & Young audit report unearthed rampant abuse of the society’s funds.
“During last year’s AGM, we looked at the director allowances and you promised us that the fees would come down as you had to meet many times in your first year to solve some issues. But surprisingly, the figures are going up,” a PSMAS member, identified as Enock Dongo, said.
But the board members defended their huge bill, saying it was caused by the numerous meetings they held to resolve challenges facing the institution.
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The members unsuccessfully pushed to have the board dissolved at the AGM, as the High Court did not entertain an application filed by Maphios Siamuchembo and Eden Frank Mtambalika to have the proposal included on the agenda.
