Proposed amendments to Zimbabwe’s Medical Aid Societies Regulations could soon force medical aid providers to separate from the hospitals and clinics they currently operate, a move that may significantly reshape the private healthcare sector and how citizens access treatment.
The proposed changes by the Ministry of Health and Child Care Zimbabwe would bar medical aid societies from owning, operating or managing healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and associated medical units.
Vulindlela Ndlovu, the chief executive officer of Cimas Medical Aid Society, said the amendment means medical aid providers would have to separate insurance services from direct healthcare provision.
“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,” said Ndlovu.
If implemented, the reforms would require medical aid societies currently running healthcare institutions to dispose of those operations within three years.
“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 when the proposed amendment becomes effective,” he said.
The development is expected to have wide implications for Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape, particularly for patients who currently receive treatment at facilities owned or managed by their medical aid providers.
Industry observers say the proposed separation could change how medical aid schemes negotiate services, access hospitals and manage treatment costs for members.
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Ndlovu said discussions around the regulatory changes had begun, but emphasised that medical aid members themselves should be directly involved because of the potential impact on healthcare access.
“Whilst consultations have begun, we have advised the Ministry that in our view, these consultations should be expanded to the members of the societies directly, considering the nature of the proposed amendments and their direct impact on you,” he said.
He said members should not worry about immediate disruptions to their medical services as existing benefits remain unchanged during the ongoing regulatory process.
“In the meantime, we wish to assure you that your current benefits and access to services remain unchanged,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that the organisation remains financially stable and continues to comply with the country’s health regulations.
“Cimas remains financially sound and fully compliant with existing regulations,” he said.
He said the society is engaging regulators to ensure that policyholders continue to receive quality healthcare services at sustainable costs.
“We are engaging constructively with all regulators to protect members’ access to quality, sustainable care, and good outcomes at optimal cost,” said Ndlovu..
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