Medical aid schemes rip-off Batswana � Madigele
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday April 7, 2016 15:31
Contributing to debate on the new Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) Act in parliament on Tuesday, Madigele said legislative action is needed to rein in medical aid schemes and their treatment of Batswana.
“I think this Bill should have included medical insurance,” he said.
“The government should not fold its arms when medical aid schemes are taking advantage of patients. For example, you will find that a painkiller that costs P10 is sold for P20 or more in private clinics and hospitals.
“Some Batswana are in debt because of medical bills which they accumulate in these hospitals,” Madigele said.
Madigele said medical insurance was a very sensitive topic that needed to be dealt with carefully.
“My point is that there should be a standard price for instance, for delivery and other operations that are done.
“Right now everyone has their own price, which are not regulated.
“Even though medical insurances have their own subscriptions which one pays every month, they are not considerate if one loses one’s job, even after contributing for years.
“Clients need to be protected on this,” Madigele said.