CIMAS allays closure fears

Cimas Medical Aid Society says it is not in danger of losing its operating licence, dismissing media reports to the contrary.

A local weekly on Sunday reported that government had given the health insurer a seven-day ultimatum to honour all outstanding claims or lose its licence.

"We will revoke the temporary licence that we had given to Cimas if it fails to settle claims not only to Corporate 24 but to all other companies that include Zimbabwe Medical Association and other pharmaceutical companies in the next seven days," Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Aldrin Musiiwa was quoted as saying.

Cimas has for months now refused to cover subscribers who access Corporate 24's medical services, following receipt of what it termed a large number of "suspect" claims.

The dispute has seen Cimas directing its more than 30 000 members, to use other service providers despite having been told by government to allow subscribers to access medical services at institutions of their choice.

Cimas managing director Roderick Takawira allayed the closure fears and said discussions with the authorities were taking place to resolve the stand-off.