THE Government of Zimbabwe says it has been religiously honoring its pledge to financially support the beleaguered medical aid society, PSMAS contrary to what some labor unions are saying.
By Staff Reporter
In a statement, Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, secretary, Service Commissions Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary said disbursements made by Government to PSMAS, totalling ZWL 3,790,919,745.02 between January to May 2022, while June disbursement shall be made this coming week.
The Commission wishes to update its stakeholders and workers on prudent steps that Government has taken to support PSMAS in its mandate of healthcare service delivery. Given the importance of healthcare service as a non monetary benefit to civil servants, Government’s timely interventions included financial support in the form of both local ZWL currency and foreign currency (USD) for purposes of liquidating 3rd party creditors and purchase of medical drugs.
“Towards this endeavour, Government agreed with PSMAS that 60% of financial support from Government would go towards liquidating 3rd party creditors, PSMI included; while 40% would be channeled towards PSMAS operations,” said Ambassador Wutaunashe.
In January government disbursed ZWL631 015 887.76 while in February ZWL 637 097 754.32, March ZWL 652 702 896.86, April ZWL71 014 485.35 and in May ZWL 999 088 720.73.
“In respect of the foreign currency support, PSMAS has made its submission of USD1,100, 000.00 and Government is already assessing the request in order to release the funding requirement.”
He added that PSMAS has since indicated that it is progressing well in liquidating its 3rd party creditors, with PSMI debt almost cleared.
“Through the liquidation of 3rd party creditors and Government’s continuous engagement with PSMAS, once again, the PSMAS card will be acceptable in the market and co-payment requirements scrapped off.
“As clearly committed by the Honorable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Comrade C. D. G. N. Chiwenga on 10 May 2022, Government is consistently funding PSMAS in order to guarantee its long term viability, as it pursues its original mandate of providing healthcare services,” said Ambassador Wutaunashe.
He also said government remains committed to support PSMAS and PSMI as part and parcel of its management of non-monetary benefits for civil servants.
