By Staff Writer
MEDICAL and Dental Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (MDPZA) has condemned the Premier Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) for launching an investigations blitz which is harassing doctors for committing petty offences.
The remarks come against a background where PSMAS has launched an investigation after suspicions that some of its medical services providers inflated costs for services rendered hence the need to bring such perpetrators to book.
In a statement, the MDPZA criticized PSMAS for demonstrating gross insincerity.
“It has come to our attention that PSMAS in conjunction with Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission (ZACC) have launched an operation targeted at doctors and service providers countrywide.
“The operation which is targeting the very same service providers who accepted PSMAS members at a time when every other provider refused to accept their members is very regrettable,” the medical group said.
The association said the modus operandi that is being carried out has resulted in doctors getting harassed, locked up and being treated like criminals in broad day light countrywide over amounts as low as ZW$ 1000 leaves a lot to be desired.
“We are of the strong opinion that this matter is a civil not a criminal one and should be treated as such. Engagements with the doctors, service providers and the parent ministry who is the regulator were not done as prescribed by law prior to this exercise.
“We implore PSMAS and the parent ministry to restore sanity, refer to industry best practices and come to the table with all stakeholders to avoid making the relationship with doctors permanently irreparable.
“Least we forget, the same doctors will be needed to attend to the PSMAS membership in the very near future.
“We advise all our members who have been picked up, harassed, verbally charged and taken to court to report to us in preparation for our class act against PSMAS,” the medical group added.
