By Kudakwashe Pembere
Medical professionals will tomorrow discuss the Medical Aid Society Regulatory Authority Bill draft which was designed to address the discord between medical insurers, doctors and patients.
Zimbabwe Medical Association president Dr Agnes Mahovha told journalosts on the sidelines of the ongoing ZIMA congress that they recently received the draft bill for assessment. The association has for quite some time lobbying the government to craft such a bill.
“We received the draft of the medical aid society regulatory authority bill. And we have started go through it very carefully and give our input so that we can participate next week in the meetings that the minister called for.
She added, “We think this is the right way to go. We sincerely hope our input, contributions will be taken seriously as we really would not want to be endorsing it so we are looking forward to it.”
Addressing the congress, Minister of Health and Childcare Dr David Parirenyatwa said they as Government they expect the discussions in the AGM to thoroughly review the draft bill.
“We are looking forward to Zima’s meaningful participation in the upcoming consultations and review of the recently shared draft the Medical society regulatory bill.
“This we believe is going to go a long way legally, ethically and professionally in addressing the challenges that the profession has been facing,” he said.
He added that while medical professionals are discussing the bill they should look at areas such as conflict of interest.
“I hope you can take your time and analyse i. properly critique it because the second most affected are the medical insurers. But the primary target is your client. The patient. Look at key areas such as conflict of interest,” added the minister.
The envisaged bill is expected to be complete by year end.
