THE Health Service Board (HSB) says it has received and processed a total 471 claims for cover
from members of the Health Service in line with government’s pledge to cushion health care wokers against COVID-19 induced risks.
By Staff Reporter
In a statement, HSB Executive Chairman, Dr Paulinos Sikosana said the COVID-19 Employer’s Liability Insurance was approved in July 2020 to mitigate the social and economic impact of the disease to the affected and their families.
The Insurance scheme is designed to give immediate cover to the affected members in the case of illnesses or their next of kin in the case of death. The benefits are as follows: Grades A-E USD650 (paid in RTGS at the prevailing exchange rate), Grade F USD1000 (paid in RTGS at the prevailing exchange rate), an additional 90 days sick leave on full pay subject to confirmation from a Medical Board.
“In the event of medical aid shortfalls in treating COVID-19 related symptoms, government will pay the shortfalls.
Health-workers and indeed other government workers were informed of this scheme and the attendant procedures to be followed when lodging a claim. All Health Workers employed in the Ministry of Health and Child Care are eligible. Claims may be originated from all levels of care starting at District Hospital level going up to the MoHCC Head Office. As of 19 January 2021, the HSB has received and processed 471 claims for cover
from members of the Health Service,” said Dr Sikosana.
He added that all applications have to be accompanied by the laboratory results and the confirmation of Head of Station. This insurance scheme is over and above the various COVID-19 related allowances that have been
extended to members of the Health Service.
“Claimants must complete the claim form available from institutional HR Officers and line managers, service wide. The form is also available on the websites of the Health Service Board and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The completed form (with the relevant attachments stated above) must be submitted to the HR Officers or line managers for onward submission to the Board.
“The Health Service Board will continue to encourage its members to make their requests as soon as is possible so as to facilitate quick release of the insurance cover. In addition to these measures above, health facilities are expected to provide the required/prescribed medications for their staff who fall ill, including access to
admission facilities.”
He also said since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, government has put in place various mitigatory measures to curtail the spread and consequent impact of the disease.
“Some of these measures included decongestion of the workplace and strict use of PPE for those working in potentially contagious zones. By its very nature, the Health Service leads the national technical response and therefore faces a greater risk of infection in the line of duty.
“The Health Service is one of the sectors that have been difficult to implement decongestion and other remedies that would help protect the workers. The essential services, including the health service, who are in the frontline of the Government response have remained exposed to the disease.”
All applications have to be accompanied by the laboratory results and the confirmation of Head of Station. This insurance scheme is over and above the various COVID-19 related allowances that have been
extended to members of the Health Service.
