Dr David Parirenyatwa
Health Reporter
Mantis Group of Companies has been identified as the firm to manage the affairs of the troubled Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) in the interim, but Government has not given the firm the green light to start work.
Sources close to the goings on at PSMAS claimed that the consultancy firm founded by Mr Gabriel Chipara proved its capabilities to restore order at the medical aid society during interviews conducted two weeks ago.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Mr Chipara said he has not been officially communicated to on Government’s position, but confirmed that he indeed went through the interviews.
“There is no official communication yet to that effect,” he said. “Yes, I did apply and went through the interviews, but there has not been any further communication from the ministry.”
When last spoken to, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the Government was still consulting on the company.
He confirmed that they had identified an entity to run PSMAS.
Other subsequent calls to the minister with regards to the appointment of the said “entity” yielded no results as he did not take any questions, promising to call back but he never did until the time of going to Press.
Other sources claim that Dr Parirenyatwa has become hesitant to appoint Mantis because of the costs involved in dealing with a consulting firm.
It appeared the issue of costs had been overlooked as a firm is likely to use rates that would be too expensive for the medical aid society.
“Indications are that a group of senior officials from Government will be appointed to look into the affairs of PSMAS,” said another source.
Stakeholders expressed concern yesterday at the way Government was handling the PSMAS case.
Zimbabwe Teachers Association president Mr Richard Gundani said the whole process was done without adequate consultations.
“The best way to solve this mess was an annual general meeting, which in any way is due in April and draw responses from various stakeholders,” he said.
Others feel the route taken by the Ministry to appoint a consultant would not assist, but worsen the situation at PSMAS.
A PSMAS member who spoke on condition of anonymity said Government should order the society to call for a special general meeting where members would then appoint a new board.
“It is now three months after the PSMAS saga was brought into the public domain, but no meaningful action has been taken by the regulator,” said the member.
Issues against PSMAS started when The Herald revealed that the society’s CEO, Dr Cuthbert Dube was taking home over half a million every month at a time when the society was heavily indebted.
It was also revealed that executives at the medical aid society were earning hefty salaries at a time it was failing to pay service providers.