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NewsDay

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Relief for Bulawayo patients

News
Corporate24 Hospital on Friday launched a medical aid scheme in Bulawayo incorporating low-income earners and the informal sector that is absorbing thousands of people as companies close shop.

BY DUDUZILE NDLUKULWANI

Corporate24 Hospital on Friday launched a medical aid scheme in Bulawayo incorporating low-income earners and the informal sector that is absorbing thousands of people as companies close shop.

Under the Corporate24’s Ngile Plan medical aid scheme, there is a three-month waiting period before clients benefit from the three packages on offer, the Lite (US$3), Standard (US$10) and Gold (US$30), respectively.

Members have an option of paying the equivalent in RTGS dollars.

“We felt the plight of our clients on issues surrounding co-payments and shortfalls which they are encountering with other medical aid providers. This would result in patients being stranded because they could not access basic services, hence we came up with this product,” Corporate24 chief executive officer, Mike Joka told Southern Eye on the side-lines of the launch.

Currently, there is an outcry from patients on medical aid seeking treatment as they are frequently required to make extra cash payments on all medical costs by some institutions and pharmacies.

“Ngile Plan simply means a person who has a plan receives comprehensive medical attention without any questions asked.

“We have also partnered with government hospitals in making sure that those who sign up for our medial plan are assisted even in towns and cities where the private hospital has not established medical centres,” Joka added.

Corporate24’s Bulawayo medical facility offers admissions as well as a delivery suite, a well-equipped intensive care unit for rapid response, resuscitation rooms, laboratory and radiological units for X-ray and ultrasound scanning, a dental unit and pharmacy.

It also houses a hi-tech modular operating theatre system, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe. The theatre is ideal for all sorts of surgery from orthopaedic to cardiac.

Corporate24’s medical aid scheme will see members benefit from general practitioner consultations, prescription drugs, observation, basic dentistry, laboratory tests, x-rays, scans, admission and specialists at government hospitals, maternity services, theatre, admissions and ambulance services among others.