RYAN CHIGOCHE
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has launched a clinic in Harare where pensioners will get free access to medical services.
The launch of the clinic comes as pensioners are already feeling the pinch as monthly payouts are eroded by runaway inflation.
Commissioning in Harare yesterday Public Service and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima said the clinic will go a long way in relieving pressure off the already strained payouts as pensioners will be getting medical attention for free.
“ …All the NSSA pensioners will benefit from free consultations, free medication especially for chronic conditions which affect most pensioners as well as free health education which is equally critical,” Mavima said.
He said one becomes more susceptible to chronic and other illnesses as he or she grows older thereby spending more on medical expenditure.
It is therefore appropriate for social security providers to chip in and help lessen the burden by providing affordable health services, Mavima said.
The Harare clinic is the first of many which are going to be launched in all NSSA regions across the country and they will be specifically serving NSSA staff.
The facility will also enable NSSA staff to enjoy free medical consultation without having to pay any shortfalls.
NSSA vice board chairperson Merjury Chinyemba said her organisation will be looking for ways to cushion its pensioners.
“NSSA is continuously pursuing means and ways to alleviate the plight of pensioners cognisant of the fact that monetary benefits can never be sufficient. As the custodians of occupational health and safety in Zimbabwe it is imperative for us to take the lead in the provision of staff clinics which are a requirement in most industries,” Chinyemba said.
NSSA is engaging the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe to ensure that the dispensary unit is operational to allow for easy access of medication.
NSSA also has got medical clinics that have been providing free medical care to pensioners around the country.
This year alone, the mobile clinic has been to Gokwe Kadoma Mabvuku and Gwanda providing essential primary health care.
A representative of the pensioners appreciated the efforts by NSSA but however implored the authority to take care of hyperinflation which is also another pensioner ailment.
“From December up to end of January, we were getting enough as pensioners but however from February upward when inflation took its toll we were found wanting so we keep on asking you Hon Minister that as we open this hospital for pensioners and both staff we also need another hospital to care for the inflation that is also walloping our payouts,” the representative said.
