Staff Writer
Cimas Medical Aid Society has warned its clients to expect increased healthcare costs as mounting global and local pressures continue to drive up prices of medical services and consumables.
In a statement issued yesterday, the medical aid provider said the current operating environment is being shaped by sustained medical inflation, rising input costs, fuel price volatility, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, all of which are affecting the cost of healthcare delivery.
“Global economic conditions remain uncertain, driven by sustained medical inflation, rising healthcare input costs, fuel price volatility, and ongoing geopolitical tensions… These developments continue to affect global supply chains, energy markets, and healthcare cost structures worldwide,” said Tatenda Madzikanda, Principal Officer of Cimas.
The society said these pressures are now filtering into the local market, where members are already experiencing increases in the cost of medicines and medical consumables.
“Members may be experiencing higher co-payments, largely arising from increases in service provider charges relative to scheme tariff structures,” Madzikanda said.
Cimas also raised concern over rising incidences of fraud, waste, and abuse, warning that these are placing additional strain on already limited healthcare resources.
Despite the cost pressures, the society said it is not considering increasing member contributions at this stage due to prevailing economic conditions.
“We remain committed to prudent fund management and to working together to safeguard quality healthcare for all,” Madzikanda said.
The medical aid provider urged members to use their benefits responsibly and called on healthcare providers to exercise moderation in pricing to help maintain affordability and access to care.
