By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Private clinics and independent doctors who provide services to SwaziMed clients are struggling to secure their payments amid financial challenges within the health insurance company.

This disclosure comes despite a previous interview where Peter Simelane,the SwaziMed Chief Executive Officer(CEO) told this Swaziland News that,the situation was under control and private institutions who provide health services to their clients are receiving payments.

The financial challenges allegedly erupted after SwaziMed used over R400million to construct the Ezulwini Private Hospital(EPH) which was officially opened by King Mswati.

But now, it has emerged that the R400million was allegedly part of the Health Scheme reserves, and the monies were utilized with the hope that the Ezulwini Private Hospital(EPH) will quickly generate profits.

“Situation is normal and payments are released on time. Maybe if you can check from those private hospitals who are complaining, they must indicate the outstanding payments are for which months. If they are referring to July payments, then that is not an issue because an invoice is paid after thirty(30) days. We are also waiting for contribution for the month of August”, said the SwaziMed CEO earlier when asked by editor Zweli Martin Dlamini about the situation.

But other senior Health Practitioners confirmed to this publication that, SwaziMed had some financial challenges and payments were delayed.

It was reported that, as a result of the alleged financial challenges,Managers limit the number of days patients spent in hospitals and the types of operations they authorise for its members.  

“This policy is compromising patient care and lives.In order to further save money the CEO has withdrawn practice numbers and withheld payments to several local hospitals,laboratories,dentists, and doctors that provided services to Swazimed members in an effort to reduce expenses.These local service providers are now threatening to withhold all services to Swazimed patients.Three of the local laboratories in the country have now been crippled as their practice number was withdrawn and payment withheld”, said an insider very close to the matter.

On another note,King Mswati,when officially opening the SwaziMed owned hospital said,the investment was a testimony to the Medical Scheme’s continuous efforts for quality healthcare.

“This investment is further testimony to EswatiniMed's continuous efforts to support the government's goal for quality, accessible healthcare for all our people,”said the King.