PSMI workers down tools, 153 clinics close down

Zim Now Writer

Healthcare provider Premier Services Medical Investments, a subsidiary of the country’s largest medical aid society by subscription base, Premier Service Medical Aid Society, has had its 153 clinics across the country closed after workers downed tools, citing incapacitation.

Munyaradzi Nharaunda, employee workers’ committee chairperson said they had several fruitless engagements with their employer.

“Yes, we have downed tools nationwide. The workers were willing to engage, but the employer was not. The last we engaged them, they said they didn’t have anything. We can get back if they engage us and tell us when they will pay us,” Nharaunda said.

PSMI owes its workers November and December salaries as well as outstanding allowances dating back to July.

In a letter directed to PSMI acting managing director Farai George Kutoka last week, Nharaunda said the workers were completely exhausted and incapacitated.

“Even though we appreciate the paltry $333 000 offered last week, schools will be reopening on January 9 and as parents, we are expected to have paid in full and made all other necessary provisions,” he said.

“We hope for a swift and long-lasting solution in addressing these challenges as we are willing and more than ready to offer our labour and professional service.”

PSMI chairman Wellington Tutisa said efforts towards seeking government’s support to clear the salary arrears were in progress.

In November last year, government extended a bail-out package of over ZWL$4,2 billion to PSMAS, after having given PSMI ZWL$1 million package for the restocking of its pharmacies.

In a statement, Public Service Commission said then that the package was intended to resuscitate operations at the society and support its subsidiary, PSMI.

“The injection of funds will enable the restoration of operations at the embattled medical insurance group through, among other support, the clearance of salary arrears for PSMI staff,” reads the statement.

Some of PSMAS' medical facilities had closed down then.

According to the statement, this development would help in the re-opening of PSMI health care facilities across the country and restore operational viability.