The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) has backed calls for the establishment of a medical aid societies regulatory authority to address challenges targeted by the proposed amendment to Statutory Instrument 330 of 2000.
The proposed amendment seeks to prohibit medical aid societies from diversifying into healthcare service provision and to transition them to a risk-based capital model, a supervisory framework designed to strengthen financial oversight and sustainability within the sector.
Speaking to NewsDay, AHFoZ chief executive Shylet Sanyanga said the move could be a setback, particularly for medical aid members who had been accessing cheaper services at institutions owned by their medical aid societies.
“When we look at the ban or prohibition of medical aid societies from going into healthcare services, that is, banning medical aid societies from owning clinics and hospitals that on its own, we believe, would be a retrogressive position.
“It will take away the current option that medical aid members have in the event that maybe a service provider rejects their medical aid cards they have at least the option of going to their medical aid societies units.
“But if those units are forced to close down, it means patients are left at the mercy of service providers who may not be willing to accept medical aid as a form of payment,” she said.
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Sanyanga said the facilities were playing an important role in the health sector by providing healthcare services and easing pressure on the country’s health delivery system.
“If anything, those facilities are actually contributing to offering healthcare services, not only to medical aid societies' members, but to any other patient seeking healthcare services.
“We believe that by doing so, medical aid societies are also contributing towards universal health coverage. That is in line with the national development strategy too,” she said.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Cimas chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu informed members of the proposed changes to their operations.
“We would like to inform you that the Ministry of Health and Child Care (the ministry) has advised us of its proposal to amend the current Medical Aid Societies Regulations,” he said.
“The effect of the proposed amendment is that Medical Aid Societies will be barred from owning, operating or managing healthcare services such as clinics, hospitals or any associated medical units.
“The amendment will further compel societies that are currently operating such units to disinvest from such healthcare units within a period of thirty-six months from the date the proposed amendment becomes effective.”
He said that while consultations were ongoing, Cimas had advised the ministry to expand the process to include members of the medical aid societies directly.
“In the meantime, we wish to assure you that: Your current benefits and access to services remain unchanged. Cimas remains financially sound and fully compliant with existing regulations,” the society said.
“We are engaging constructively with all regulators to protect members' access to quality, sustainable care and good outcomes at optimal cost. We will continue to update you.”