MEDICAL aid companies are struggling to come up with affordable schemes targeting low income earners, amid an ailing health system in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the launch of MyPlan medical aid scheme recently, Corporate 24 founder and chief executive, Mike Joka said there was need to introduce more schemes targeting the poor for them to access affordable health services.
He noted challenges faced by medical aid companies in coming up with products for low income earners.
“There are many challenges being faced by medical aid companies in developing products that are both affordable and able to provide adequate benefits,” he said.
Joka said the MyPlan Medical Aid scheme aimed to address the growing healthcare challenges and promises to provide affordable and comprehensive private healthcare service for all.
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“The scheme has recognised the significant gap in the market for affordable medical aid options, particularly in a country where a large percentage of the population struggles to afford private healthcare.
“I think that has always eluded medical aid companies. I know for those of you who are watching from the terraces, you would not really understand.
“Why is it that a person who is in trouble cannot get a medical aid product that they can afford? We have done extensive research to understand the needs and preferences of this market segment,” Joka said.
“With many individuals struggling to make ends meet, this in turn makes private healthcare services hard to afford,” he said.
“We understand that people are struggling financially, many earn less than US$350 per month, and even those earning US$500 or less struggle to make ends meet.
“The reality is that people are living from hand to mouth and private healthcare is simply out of reach for many,” he said.
Joka said the company was committed to providing a product that is both affordable and provides essential healthcare benefits.
“We are trying to make a difference in the lives of Zimbabweans. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, businessman Nigel Chanakira applauded the move by Corporate 24 saying healthcare was important hence the need for investment through medical aid schemes.
“This moment marks a significant milestone, not only for the organisation, but more importantly for Zimbabwe’s populace that is struggling to access affordable health services from the private sector,” he said.
“As we all know, the healthcare landscape particularly in a developing country such as ours with hyperinflation and an exchange rate that has been dropping at each turn has been very challenging and traumatic, because within itself it has overwhelmed a lot of people,” he said.
Chanakira said insurance penetration, in terms of medical aid in Zimbabwe, was less than 10% of the population.
MyPlan is a budget-friendly product that gives low-to-medium income earners the opportunity to join medical aid.
It gives clients the option to choose what they want covered.
Traditionally, medical aid packages are one-size fits all with already designed benefit structures but MyPlan offers the option for clients reduce the benefits they want covered, while customising them according to their preferences and budget to enable them to reduce their monthly contributions.
