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Dr Mhlanga

Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter
PSMAS managing director Mr Henry Mandishona said the issue involving the medical aid society’s former interim management team’s contract should not attract debate as it was clear that the contract expired on June 12, 2015.

Dr Gibson Mhlanga, PSMAS interim manager, has reportedly remained in control despite the expiry of his tenure on June 12.

However, Dr Mhlanga said he was further tasked by the Office of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, to carry out a forensic audit on PSMI, PSMAS’ investment arm and so would stay at the medical aid company for a longer period.

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This matter, noted Mr Mandishona, had been clarified by both the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa and permanent secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji.

“Dr (Gibson) Mhlanga has not been transacting any PSMAS business and as soon as our new board is fully constituted, Dr Mhlanga will just conduct the handover-takeover process. He is also expected to submit his interim management report to the permanent secretary in line with Statutory Instrument 330 of 2000,” said Mr Mandishona.

Chapter 26 (7) of the SI reads, “Before the end of the period for which an interim manager was elected or appointed . . . the interim manager shall convene a special or general meeting of members for the purpose of electing or appointing a new board of the society, whereupon the interim manager shall vacate office.”

“So this is just a futile attempt to brew a storm in a cup of tea,” said Mr Mandishona.

He, however, said while there was no doubt that the interim management’s tenure ended, PSMAS members empowered the now dissolved team to pick up positions in the Premier Service Trust (PST) at the special general meeting held on May 21.

The PST is a holding vehicle to coordinate PSMAS and PSMI to realise the benefits of the PSMAS/PSMI forward integration synergistic strategy.

“So all the misinformation available is just meant to subjugate the decision of the people based on the outcome of the AGM, and this attempt should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves,” he said.

Mr Mandishona implored all members and stakeholders of PSMAS to rather rally behind the society’s turnaround strategy of restoring sustainable viability.

Mr Mandishona was appointed following a restructuring exercise that was necessitated by revelations of mega salaries at a time the Society was failing to pay service providers.