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Greencard Medical Aid Society.
The latest entrant also signifies the opportunities that abound in all sectors of the economy as the country seeks to re-establish itself as an economic powerhouse.
GreenCard Medical Aid Society is structured as an open non-profit-making organisation whose members will become the owners, with Doves Holdings (Pvt) Ltd being the principal sponsor.
The new organisation aims to provide “flexible, affordable and convenient” medical insurance solutions for “all social clusters”.
It was launched at a colourful ceremony in Harare.
Analysts said this was an illustration that the economy was full of opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, GreenCard chief executive Mr Thembinkosi Ndlovu said his company would provide expedient settlement of claims (seven days) against a situation where the market has seen some players unjustifiably prolonging the turnover period for up to 90 days for claims.
“To all health service providers, the society guarantees full settlement of all genuine claims within seven days as opposed to 60 days elsewhere,” he said.
“Through the swift turn-around time in claims settlement, service providers will be able to improve their cash flows and hence uplift the quality of service delivery. This will lead to a healthier nation.”
GreenCard offers a range of medical insurance products to cater for the different requirements of their clients, including the Almond Plan, Mopani Plan, Jacaranda Plan, Palm Plan and the Olive Plan.
Guest of honour at the launch, Chitungwiza Central Hospital chief executive Dr Obediah Moyo, commended GreenCard for seeking to revamp the health sector. He urged the Government to support private sector initiatives in improving Zimbabwe’s health system.
“The private sector is coming in with innovative solutions that lighten the burden on the Government’s shoulders,” he said.
“We, therefore, urge Government to support these private sector initiatives through fiscal incentives, such as import duty and Value Added Tax waivers on imported medical equipment.”
Dr Moyo lamented the negative effects of the sanctions imposed on the country that have affected the health sector, especially in respect of the importation of critical medical equipment and consumables.
“The limitation that we are now facing as a country is that between 70 percent and 80 percent of equipment in our hospitals and clinics is now lying idle due to lack of critical spare parts,” he said.
“The countries that supply us are refusing to meet our requirements for the spare parts in sympathy with the illegal sanctions.
“This is leading to untold suffering and needless deaths in the country. It is against this background that, as a country, we must unite in calling for the removal of the illegal sanctions.”
Zimbabwe recently produced its first Millennium Development Goals report and in respect of the health delivery system, is focusing on reducing the negative effects of diseases such as malaria, HIV/Aids and cholera – among diseases – and reducing deaths caused by maternal complications.